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: Naomi Melchiorre
Employer/Organization: Santoyo Wehmeyer, P.C.
Practice Area(s): Oil & Gas
Why did you join the TYLA board? I was looking to get more involved in legal professional organizations and liked the idea of meeting other attorneys from across the state.
What advice would you give to other TYLA members who are looking for ways to grow professionally? Get involved in your local bar and other related professional organizations, show up for their events, and volunteer to help at the events or in their leadership positions. If you haven’t found a practice area or work environment that you love, keep pivoting (i.e., making strategic moves) to find the area of law or work environment that you love. This might require a lot of work, several years and several moves/pivots, but it will be worth it in the end! Building your legal career is a journey. Take pride in the services you are able to provide your community and clients and enjoy the process of developing an incredibly meaningful career over time.
Before joining the TYLA board, what is your favorite experience with community or public service? As a member of the Junior League of Midland, I was able to serve for several years as a committee member and a chair of its Suits With Skills program, a job-skills mentoring program for female survivors of domestic abuse. The program provides workshops to teach skills related to the workplace, including how to build a resume, basic interview skills, and how to display a professional appearance in the workplace. It is incredibly meaningful to support other women in developing their careers and to see the self-confidence that they gain as they develop the skills presented in the workshops and through the relationships that are fostered.
What was your favorite movie, TV show, musical artist, or song from high school/college? Coldplay and “Gossip Girl.”