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: Austin Stevenson
Employer/Organization: City of McAllen
Practice Area(s): Municipal Law/Civil Litigation/General Counsel
Why did you join the TYLA board? I am honored to join the TYLA Board as the District 13 representative. My goal is to connect our region to the rest of the state and to ensure that South Texas attorneys are aware of not only the benefits of TYLA and bar membership, but also opportunities to serve our community through TYLA and State Bar programs.
What advice would you give to other TYLA members who are looking for ways to grow professionally? Say YES! It’s important to consider your existing commitments, boundaries, and schedule, but if something interests you, say yes to every opportunity. Anything but an enthusiastic yes should be considered a no. Identify your passion and follow it aggressively by saying yes, enthusiastically, to every opportunity to hone your skills, make connections, and grow organically.
Before joining the TYLA board, what is your favorite experience with community or public service? Aside from involvement with the State Bar and LeadershipSBOT, I was honored to be selected as chairman for Leadership McAllen, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering emerging and established leaders to identify and respond to the opportunities and challenges facing our community. Each year, the organization welcomes a class of 30 professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds to learn about the most pressing issues in McAllen.
What was your favorite movie, TV show, musical artist, or song from high school/college? Anyone who knows me knows I’ve been obsessed with Destiny’s Child since I was eight years old. Aside from jamming out to “Say My Name” over 20 years later, I am a stereotypical true crime and documentary fanatic.