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: Courtney M. White

Firm: City Attorney’s Office, City of Amarillo

Area of Law You Practice: Municipal Law

Position Held in TYLA: District 16 Director

How did you get involved in bar service? My parents are both lawyers in Amarillo and have set an example of local bar service. Both have served as president of the Amarillo Area Bar Association, or AABA, and both have supported the Amarillo Area Young Lawyers Association, or AAYLA, for many years. My father has also been involved in the State Bar, particularly with the Commission for Lawyer Discipline. I grew up witnessing the importance of the bar supporting lawyers professionally and socially.

What is your favorite TYLA project and why? Vote America! (See https://tyla.org/resource/vote-america/). When I was president of AAYLA during the 2018 midterm elections, we presented Vote America! to all of the senior government classes at a local high school. We also registered a handful of eligible students to vote.  I was honored to have the opportunity to influence young people to use their voice in government.

What tips can you give to other attorneys to manage stress? Talk to someone.  Whether it is a friend, family member, colleague, or professional counselor (my personal favorite), talk about your feelings!

What is a piece of advice you would give new lawyers or law students? For new lawyers: Don’t be afraid to tell your client that you don’t know the answer and will have to look it up. It’s OK to not know, and your client will be impressed that you told her the truth. (And of course, look it up and get back to her with the answer.)

What do you do in your spare time? I love to needlepoint! I learned in elementary school and have picked up the hobby again during quarantine. It’s relaxes my mind.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you? I like to box.

Anything else you wish to share? I have a really cute dog named William.