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: Eduardo Canales
Firm: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Area of Law You Practice: Domestic and international oil and gas and renewable energy transactions
Position Held in TYLA: Director 6, Place 2
How did you get involved in bar service? I participated in the Leadership Class organized by the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, or DAYL, and by the Houston Young Lawyers Association, or HYLA, where I was able to make great friends, expand my network, and learn more about getting involved in bar activities.
What is your favorite TYLA project and why? The Racial Justice HUB project (see https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=articles&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=51162). We are working to create awareness of the challenges faced by minorities, provide a space where people can discuss and share their experiences openly, and create tools/resources that people can use to overcome them.
What tips can you give to other attorneys to manage stress? Find a healthy way to release stress. I love playing sports (soccer or beach volleyball), doing yoga, or riding my bicycle. Find people you can vent with about your stress and allow yourself to be vulnerable—it is important to not keep everything inside.
What is a piece of advice you would give new lawyers or law students? There is literally nothing you cannot accomplish; however, achieving your goals will require complete dedication. Hard work and perseverance are key to succeeding. People will notice how much you care about work and your clients and will want to give you better assignments and responsibilities. Communication is also very important. Even though it can be intimidating, do not be afraid of talking to more senior attorneys/partners/judges—we are a tight community and have each other’s backs.
What do you do in your spare time? I like to play sports or go out with friends to new restaurants or try new things. My favorite thing is to travel. I love experiencing new cultures, visiting new places, and trying new food. My favorite trips so far have been to Machu Picchu and Marrakesh.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you? I have raced motorcycles and cars at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin.
Anything else you wish to share? I was born and raised in Mexico. I came to the U.S. to attend college at the University of Texas at Austin. Texas has now become my home away from home.
Every opportunity I have ever had came about thanks to a little bit of luck, hard work, and good timing. All you need to do is trust yourself and give 100% to everything you do—the rest will work itself out.