1. What does becoming a Partner at JCA mean to you?
I am honored to be a partner with J. Cruz and Associates. To me, being a partner at JCA means being able to participate in making decisions about the continued success of the firm, its direction as it moves into the future and the best ways to serve our clients. It means representing JCA in the community. I am proud of the work that our firm does not just in serving our clients but also in serving our community. The firm’s managing partner, Juan Cruz, stresses the importance in giving back to others. Attorneys and staff give back to the community by volunteering, serving on non-profit boards, and participating in food and toy drives. Being a partner means representing the firm in the community and letting others know about the great work our firm does.
2.What is your favorite aspect of working at the firm?
The people are my favorite part of my work at the firm. Whether it is working with a client or working with the staff, I really enjoy the people part of my job. I also enjoy the variety of work that comes from working at JCA. No two days are alike; each day is different, and each day brings its own challenges.
3. If you could describe the culture of JCA in 3 words, which would they be?
Supportive, Team-Oriented, and Professional. Professional. JCA is recognized as being a premier school law and governmental entity defense firm and
it does so professionally. Team-Oriented. JCA is a group of smart, innovative, and committed attorneys. Everyone at the firm works together to produce the best product and achieve the best result for our clients. Supportive. The attorneys and staff support each other. We are like a family and everyone at the firm is always ready to assist with a project or a task.
4. What continues to drive you in your professional career as a lawyer?
Helping others. I became a lawyer to help people solve problems.
5. What is some advice you could share to a young lawyer aspiring to make partner at their own firm?
I have two pieces of advice. First, work at a firm that aligns with your goals and allows you to work on matters you enjoy. Not every legal task or client matter is going to be enjoyable 100% of the time however, you enjoy your work overall, if you enjoy the clients and your colleagues, the long hours will also be enjoyable. This may sound strange, but when I started practicing law, I did not aspire to make partner at a law firm. This does not mean that I am not proud of being a partner at a great firm, because I am proud of this accomplishment, very proud. But that was not my aspiration. My dad’s advice to me when I graduated from law school was to find work that was satisfying and meaningful because ultimately, the reward is the privilege of doing work you enjoy. My second piece of advice to treat clients, witnesses, other lawyers, even your adversaries, with dignity, respect and professionalism. The legal community is small. Your reputation is everything. Each person you encounter is a potential client for your firm. Today’s adversary may be tomorrow’s co-counsel.
6. What is the most rewarding part of your practice and work as a lawyer with JCA?
That is a tough question because I find there are many aspects of my work at JCA that I find very rewarding and very fulfilling. For one, JCA represents many public entities across the State of Texas, including school districts, counties and even state agencies; the work we do entails helping elected officials and administrators resolve legal issues. This is especially rewarding because the legal services our firm provides helps build a better future for the community and the constituents our clients serve. I also enjoy being able to mentor the newer attorneys at our firm. I really enjoy working with the younger attorneys, being able to help them resolve an issue or deal with a particular client but I also enjoying learning from them. The new attorneys are so adept at using technology and are always quick to share their technology tips with me. I also find it very rewarding to work with such a collegial group of dedicated attorneys who have varied experiences. I also enjoy that the firm encourages its attorneys to serve on non-profit boards and community organizations. I am so appreciative that Juan Cruz, gives attorneys the space and time to participate in community events.
7 How would you describe the path you took to becoming a partner at a law firm?
My path to becoming a partner at JCA is not a traditional path. Sometime lawyers start off at a firm and continue working at the same firm until they make partner. That was not my path. I have been practicing law for over 25 years and have held a variety of positions, including serving as in-house counsel for the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), working as an assistant city attorney, working as an administrator for a public university, working as a criminal prosecutor, and working as attorney for a state appellate court. When I graduated from law school, I thought I wanted to be a prosecutor. I wanted to serve my community by doing my part to keep the community safe and do justice in the name of the State of Texas. I did that for a bit and realized pretty quickly that the work was not for me. After that, I was recruited to work for TAMUS and thoroughly enjoyed the work at the general counsel’s office. What most of my career has been focused on is representing governmental entities in that kind of role – working as general counsel. The work is important, exciting, and interesting. I am thankful for the opportunities I have had and thankful for the support of Juan Cruz, the JCA team and our clients.
