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: John Ellis
Firm: Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP
Area of Law You Practice: Commercial litigation with an emphasis in pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, energy-related disputes, and mass torts litigation
Position Held in TYLA:
ABA Young Lawyers Division, District Representative for South/Central Texas, District 25
How did you get involved in bar service?
Early in my legal career, I was encouraged by many mentors to get involved in bar service. I’m glad I heeded their advice.
What is your favorite TYLA project and why?
Having served on the board for the past six years, I’ve been fortunate to work on many important service projects. I’m particularly proud of the following projects that I helped create:
- Not a Victim: Sexual Assault Rights and Resources (see http://notavictim.tyla.org/);
- Free from Violence: Domestic and Elder Abuse Information & Resources (see http://freefromviolence.tyla.org/); and
- Proud to Be an American (see https://tyla.org/resource/proud-to-be-an-american/).
Each project highlights important issues and includes personal interviews that offer insightful perspectives and resources.
What tips can you give to other attorneys to manage stress?
Keep things in perspective: Christian faith, family, everything else. Also, serving others and long-distance running will work wonders.
What do you do in your spare time?
Outdoor adventures with my three- and five-year-old boys; serve through my church and on other nonprofit boards, and try to find some time to date my wonderful wife.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I love woodworking and have even managed to convince my family to display some of my creations.