Editor’s Note: In this blog series, we are getting to know the members of the Texas Young Lawyers Association Board of Directors. TYLA, commonly called the “public service arm” of the State Bar of Texas, works to facilitate the administration of justice, foster respect for the law, and advance the role of the legal profession in serving the public. All TYLA programs are accomplished through the volunteer efforts of its board and committee members, with the cooperation of local affiliate young lawyers associations. Learn more at tyla.org.

Name: Reina Cisneros

Firm: Cisneros Law Firm, PLLC

Area of Law You Practice: Real Estate, Wills, and Probate (General Practice)

Position Held in TYLA: At-Large Director, Small City, Co-Chair of Online Member Services Committee

How did you get involved in bar service? I was part of the LeadershipSBOT 2015-2016 class. I learned so much and met so many diverse Texas attorneys and didn’t want the experience to end there.

What is your favorite TYLA project and why? I really like Proud to Be an American (see https://tyla.org/resource/proud-to-be-an-american/). To hear different individuals’ stories about their perspective of being an American or how they or a family member came to this country to be an American citizen is inspiring. It also shows us that it doesn’t matter where you came from, all anyone really wants is to make a better life for themselves and their families.

What tips can you give to other attorneys to manage stress? I try to work outside of the office at least once a week, usually at a coffee shop. A change of scenery, even if you are doing work, helps with monotony and gives you time to work away from phone calls and office interruptions.

What do you do in your spare time? I spend time with my husband and our three dogs, watch trash TV (usually Bravo), cook, and travel. My husband and I are in the process of visiting every major league baseball park.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you? When I open a new bar of soap, I always make sure to take a couple of seconds to smell the fresh bar. I do this every time. It reminds me to take time out to enjoy the little things in life and savor them for a couple of seconds while they’re still in their most perfect state, even if it is just smelling a bar of soap.

Anything else you wish to share? It’s not weird that I like to smell my bar of soap— it’s symbolic.