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: Julia Peebles
Employer/Organization: Haynes and Boone
Practice Area(s): General litigation, oil and gas litigation, energy litigation, labor and employment, OSHA compliance
Why did you join the TYLA board? I joined the TYLA Board because I am dedicated to improving our legal community from all angles, starting from law students to recently barred attorneys to more seasoned lawyers. TYLA is an incredible platform for mentorship, networking, and peer-based collaboration, which are all key to recognizing and addressing areas for improvement. I hope to utilize my experience as a practicing lawyer and as an adjunct professor to help bring new ideas to the group aimed at ensuring that each attorney (young or old) has access to tools that can help them live up to their full potential.
What advice would you give to other TYLA members who are looking for ways to grow professionally? Networking, networking, networking. I use every event, meeting, lunch, etc., as an opportunity to grow my network. You never know “who knows who” so I always try to put my best foot forward, whether it is attending a local Houston Young Lawyers Association event or grabbing coffee at my favorite coffee shop. I have made lots of legal connections by participating in events and organizations that interest me and are completely unrelated to the law, such as my involvement with the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Oh, always keep a business card on you!
Before joining the TYLA board, what is your favorite experience with community or public service? Being the faculty director of the University of Houston Law Center’ Moot Court team has been my favorite experience to this point. This position has taught me the value of mentorship and encouraged me to reassess how to approach mentorship in a meaningful way. For example, mentorship is more than a weekly coffee or Zoom call, it requires true dedication and work on the part of the mentor to inquire, listen, and guide mentees to help them recognize and take steps to achieve their true professional goals. I look forward to using my experience as an adjunct professor to the benefit of TYLA.
What was your favorite movie, TV show, musical artist, or song from high school/college? My favorite TV show was—and still is—The Office. The show ran through most of my high school and college careers.