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: Lauren Sepúlveda
Employer/Organization: McAllen Municipal Court/City of McAllen
Practice Area(s): Criminal
Why did you join the TYLA board? I wanted a chance to better my profession and the community. I was already deeply involved in my local young lawyer bar, and several of my mentors, including Judge JoAnne Garcia and Victor Flores, had already served on the board and included me on rolling out some of the TYLA projects. When a vacancy came open, they encouraged me to run, and the rest is history!
What advice would you give to other TYLA members who are looking for ways to grow professionally? 1) Network, network, network! The importance of this cannot be overstated. 2) Find your passion and let that guide your professional growth. If you work on your passion within the profession, the growth occurs naturally.
Before joining the TYLA board, what is your favorite experience with community or public service? Before I joined the TYLA board, I was served as a prosecutor and public defender for Hidalgo County. Choosing a career in public service was the best decision I’ve ever made. I truly enjoyed going to work every day and working toward justice—on both sides—for the citizens of Hidalgo County.
What was your favorite movie, TV show, musical artist, or song from high school/college? Movie: Drive Me Crazy; TV Show: Gossip Girl; Musical Artist: Britney Spears; Song: “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” by The Verve.