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: Chelsea A. Mikulencak
Employer: The City of San Antonio’s Office of the City Attorney
Area of Law You Practice: Municipal Law
Position Held in TYLA: District 18, Place 2 Director
How did you get involved in bar service? Jay Forester and Victor Flores started me on my bar service journey in 2017.
What is your favorite TYLA project and why? How does one even choose? They’re all amazing! Currently, I’m working on a financial literacy project for law students/young lawyers. I can’t wait until it’s finished early next year. All law students and young lawyers should be empowered to proactively and easily manage their finances, and I’m hoping the resources we are compiling will help many generations to come.
What tips can you give to other attorneys to manage stress? I am a huge advocate of “do what you love.” I absolutely love the work that I do, both at my job, with TYLA, and with the many other extracurriculars in which I participate. Personally, this principle keeps the stress and anxiety to a minimum because I don’t see my day to day as a grind, but as a joy!
What is a piece of advice you would give new lawyers or law students? Try to work/intern in as many different practice areas as possible and quickly figure out what you don’t want to do. Knowing the areas in which you do not want to practice is just as valuable as knowing those in which you do!
What do you do in your spare time? Aside from volunteering with TYLA and at my son’s day care, my son and I spend as much time outdoors as we can. We love trail walking, gardening, and playing with our two dogs, Draco and Luna. We are hoping to visit Colorado and do some mountain hiking once the pandemic subsides.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you? I love binge watching Criminal Minds, Parks and Recreation, and The Office.
Anything else you wish to share? The greatest aspect of my life is being a mom and raising my son, Logan. He’s truly the coolest, kindest human being I’ve ever known.