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CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT
Nick Guinn
Gunn, Lee & Cave, P.C.
Intellectual Property
St. Mary's University School of Law, 2013
Membership Organizations
- SABA, Officer
- St. Mary's University Law Alumni Association, former Director
- Hispanic Law Alumni Association, former Director
- TYLA, former Secretary
- SAYLA, former Director
- William B. Sessions American Inn of Court, member
- KLRN, former Community Advisory Board member
- Member of two book clubs, organizer of one
Accomplishments
- Friends with Lawrence Morales
- SAYLA Outstanding Young Lawyer, 2019
- Law clerk to Chief United States District Judge Fred Biery, 2013-2014
- St. Mary's University School of Law Christian Citizenship Award, 2013
- Judge Jack B. Miller Award for Dedication, Integrity & Professionalism, Recipient 2013
- Order of Barristers
- Mrs. Fey's 4th Grade Class Representative to the Locke Hill Elementary Student Council, 1998-1998
Why vote for me?
I was born and raised in San Antonio, and have practiced law here since the start of my career. I have no desire to move away. This community is important to me. My family and friends live here. I hope that my record of involvement with various organizations in this community, and in particular in the San Antonio legal community, reflects the way I feel about San Antonio and our local bar. If elected President-Elect, I'm confident I will continue to bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the Board. I will also bring new ideas and intend to take SABA to the next level.
Serving as an active member of several Boards, including SABA, SAYLA, and TYLA, over the last several years has given me thorough knowledge and understanding of the operations of several bar associations. I am now the longest-serving member of the board, which has familiarized me with the organization and how it runs. I have enjoyed my several terms on the Board and hope to continue contributing to the Association and Foundation for many years to come. Thank you for your consideration.
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CANDIDATE FOR TREASURER
Jaime Vasquez
Chamberlain Hrdlicka White Williams & Aughtry
Tax
University of Texas at Austin School of Law, 2008
Membership Organizations
- SABA, Officer
- Mexican American Bar Association of San Antonio, Past President
- State Bar of Texas Tax Section (Pro Bono Co-Chair)
- Hispanic Issues Section of the State Bar of Texas (Past Chair)
- American Bar Association Tax Section
- CPA, 2023-24
Accomplishments
- State Bar of Texas Tax Section (Pro Bono Co-Chair)
- "Lawyer of the Year" for San Antonio for Litigation and Controversy-Tax by US News Best Lawyers in America 2019, 2021, 2023
- Best Lawyers In America, 2018-2023
- The Legal 500 US - Tax Controversy as Next Generation Partner (2020)
- Leading Lawyer, 2022
- Board Certified Tax Law
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Why vote for me?
My CPA and tax background permeates my practice, personality and leadership style. I approach challenges methodically and pragmatically. To that end, in my prior leadership experiences I believe my greatest assets have been my organized and inclusive approach and belief that everyone brings something to the table.
CANDIDATE FOR SECRETARY
Emma Cano
Jefferson Cano
Business & Commercial Litigation
Texas Tech University School of Law, 2002
Membership Organizations
- San Antonio Bar Association Civil Courts Committee Board Liaison
- San Antonio Bar Association Litigation Law Section, Member & Technology Section, Member
- Bexar County Women’s Bar Association, Former President and Board Member
- Seton Home, Former Board Chair and Member
- State Bar of Texas Corporate Counsel Section, Vice-Chair
- State Bar of Texas Bar Leaders Conference, Committee Member
- State Bar of Texas Minority Counsel Program, Steering Committee Member
- Texas Tech Univerity School of Law Foundation, Board Member
- William S. Sessions American Inn of Court, Treasurer
- YWCA of San Antonio, Former Board President and Member
Accomplishments
- Authored Chapter 7, "ESI Collection" of the Essentials of E-Discovery TexasBarBooks publication (2014; updated in 2020)
- Belva Lockwood Outstanding Young Lawyer, Bexar County Women’s Bar Foundation (2008)
- Frequent author and presenter at Texas Bar CLE programs
- Half-marathon runner
- Outstanding Young Lawyer, San Antonio Young Lawyers Association (2008)
- Pedro “Pete” Serrano Leadership Award, Texas Young Lawyers Association and State Bar of Texas (2013)
- Rising Star Award, Texas Tech University School of Law (2017)
- Texas Super Lawyer (2021)
Why vote for me?
During my 20 years of practicing in San Antonio, I have made it a point to serve our community and various bar and professional organizations in leadership roles with integrity, dedication and a desire to make things better, in whatever way I can. I believe in stepping up and hope to serve on the San Antonio Bar Association board with the same level of commitment that our profession deserves. The San Antonio legal community is a unique one, full of talented, generous, kind and committed individuals working to maintain the highest standards that our profession requires. My goal is to ensure we always preserve that community and help lead our local bar association in a meaningful way, always guarding the integrity of our profession. I respectfully ask for your vote.
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CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Matt Badders
Drought Drought & Bobbitt LLP
Trusts & Estates, Real Estate Litigation
University of Texas at Austin School of Law, 2009
Membership Organizations
- SABA, Real Estate Section, Chair, 2022
- William S. Sessions American Inn of Court
- San Antonio Estate Planners Council
- Texas Banker's Association, Wealth Management & Trust Division
Accomplishments
- Buying and Selling a Law Practice, Contracting in the Covid and Post-Covid World, TexasBarCLE, Austin, April 8, 2022
- Changing the Status of Property Rights. 33rd Annual Advanced Real Estate Drafting, TexasBarCLE, Dallas, March 17, 2022Lawyers In America, 2018-2023
- Weird Things Clients Want in Their Documents, 30th Annual Estate Planning & Probate Drafting, TexasBarCLE, Houston, October 25, 2019
- Inside the Mind of a Trustee: The Importance of Understanding a Trustee’s Perspective, Advanced Estate Planning and Probate, TexasBarCLE, San Antonio, June 20, 2019 (co-presented with and written materials prepared by Katherine Akinc).
Why vote for me?
The SABA directors also serve as stewards of the San Antonio Bar Foundation. The foundation’s endowment is overdue for a capital campaign, to ensure that it can sustain the foundation’s mission well into the future. I would like to contribute to the board with my experience representing and advising similar entities through similar processes. The endowment is a primary means of sustaining the foundation’s mission and programming.
Additionally, as the SABA offices transition to their new space, the directors will have a unique responsibility to see that the new space meets the needs of SABA members.
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Blakely L. Fernandez
Bracewell LLP
Public Finance, Project Development
St. Mary's University School of Law, 2002
Membership Organizations
- SA Bar Foundation Gala Co-Chair, 2023 ($520K raised, sold-out event)
- Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas Trefoil Luncheon Co-Chair 2023 ($840K raised, sold-out event)
- Witte Museum Game Dinner Committee 2023 ($1.2M raised, sold-out event)
- Haven for Hope Christmas Cookie Sponsor & Host (2010-2023)
- United Way of SA and Bexar County, Volunteer Committee & Member, Marketing Committee
- Clarity Child Guidance Center Board of Directors (2022-current)
Accomplishments
- A former Alamo Community College District 7 elected Trustee
- Appointed SA Covid-19 Community Response Committee; served as Chair for Philanthropy SubCommittee, raised $12.9M
- SA Ready to Work Campaign Tri-Chair, a successful sales tax campaign
- SA Chamber of Commerce Women's Leadership Award-Small Business category
- SA Business Journal Women's Leadership Award
- Urban Land Institute presentation & publication, Public Dollars in Private Development
- Leveraging Private Sector Know How for Suceesul Public Projects, The Bond Buyer
Why vote for me?
I'm an unlikely (but enthusiastic) SABA candidate. Over the past 20+ years, I've been very active in our community, but my contributions have focused primarily in the business, education, and transportation sectors. I have also been politically engaged in ballot initiatives as well as city, county, and state offices. I believe I was encouraged to join this year's slate of great candidates as a connector, someone who can bridge the goals and objectives of the local bar with civic and nonprofit leadership and align our resources with allied efforts.
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Jorge A. Herrera
Herrera Law Firm
Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Litigation
The University of Texas-Austin School of Law, 2005
Membership Organizations
- Currently serving as SABA Director; Law School Liaison Committee, Chair; coordinated LAWtina reception; and serves on the SA Bar Foundation annual gala committee
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- SA Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Texas Trial Lawyers Assn: Member, Board Director; Former Vice President of CLE, served 2 years and coordinated annual CLE events, a New Orleans CLE, statewide car wreck CLE series, and the first TTLA Port Aransas CLE; TTLA Board of Advocates Chair organizing statewide membership drives, CLE & fishing tournament
- SA Trial Lawyers Assn, Board Member
- American Assn of Justice: Member, Former Board of Governor
- Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) National Board Director
- Central Catholic Gala Co-Chair, 2022
Accomplishments
- Texas Trial Lawyer Assn Reich Chandler Outstanding Advocate Award
- SA Texas Trial Lawyers Assn Pat Maloney Courage Award
- SA Best Lawyer, Texas Best Lawyer recognitions
Why vote for me?
I have proudly served as an elected Director for the San Antonio Bar Association and as Chair of the Law School Committee, I coordinated and sponsored an event with LAWtina and am currently working on the SABA Gala for this fall. I am a member of a variety of local, state and national bar associations and always use my experiences toward the betterment of the organizations. I join organizations to put in the work, not for the title, and will continue to do so. I want to continue my work on the annual gala. I will create a virtual Zoom conference for law students throughout Texas to learn about opportunities in San Antonio and strengthen SABA's relationship with law schools throughout the state.
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Abel Martinez
H-E-B
Employment, Personal Injury, Federal Government Affairs
The University of Houston Law Center, 1990
Membership Organizations
- Texas Supreme Court Bar Admission Committee-appointed by the Texas Supreme Court to review out-of-state admission requirements
- Federal Bar Association Admissions and Ethics Committee -Appointed by the Western District Judiciary to serve on the Federal Bar Association's committee to approve admissions into the Western District of Texas.
- SAYLA Board Member, Secretary, Vice President, President, and past president. Over a seven year period, served in various leadership roles, including President. As President, SAYLA earned eight awards from TYLA
- Served on SABA Diversity and Inclusion Committee -Appointed to work with fellow SABA members and Bexar County Judges to make recommendations to improve the coordination of diversity initiatives within the various bar associations in San Antonio and to coordinate diversity efforts for St. Mary's University law students
- Board Member, Respite Care Association of San Antonio (a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for children with special needs).
- Board Member, Common Threads (a non-profit national organization focused on food and nutrition education for children).
- H-E-B Feast of Sharing events -participated in over 20 community events throughout Texas serving holiday meals.
Accomplishments
- SAYLA Outstanding Young Lawyer by the San Antonio Young Lawyers Association
- Recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer.
- State Bar of Texas, TX Minority Counsel Program (TMCP) Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient.
- State Bar of Texas Corporate Counsel of the Year Award Recipient.
- National Diversity Council Top 50 General Counsel Award Recipient
- Speaker -San Antonio Human Resource Management Association and UT Labor and Employment Law Conferences.
- SA Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award Recipient.
- Featured in Texas Bar Journal.
- Board Certified Labor & Employment Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Why vote for me?
We are all extremely busy and finding the time to serve after long workdays and family commitments is difficult for all of us. Still, I believe it's important that we do when we have the opportunity -- I believe it's the right time for me to put to good use the knowledge and experience I have gained over the years as a lawyer in private practice and as an officer at H-E-B. In the course of my legal career, it's been my honor to serve our communities and to serve our profession in many capacities at the local and state level. On the local level, I have served as a board member and President of the San Antonio Young Lawyers Association and have participated in various efforts sponsored by the San Antonio Bar Association; I have also worked closely over the years with many of SABA's board members. At the state level, I worked closely with deans of Texas law schools, fellow Texas Lawyers, and Justices on the Supreme Court after being appointed to serve on a Texas Supreme Court committee developed to review and recommend changes to out-of-state admission policies.
I also believe that giving back to our communities is an essential component of our profession and an important component of the efforts led by SABA. As a board member, I strive to work closely with non-profit organizations, such as Respite CareSA and Common Threads; these organizations share a vision to help children thrive. I also actively participate in numerous H-E-B communities focused on making Texans' lives better.
My community involvement, my time practicing law, and my efforts working with leaders at the local, state, and national levels have positioned me well to represent you and SABA effectively and efficiently in the future. I truly enjoy serving our profession, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue doing so as a SABA Board member. And I enjoy fishing and working out!
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Cynthia Orr
Goldstein & Orr
White Collar, criminal defense and criminal appeals
St. Mary's University School of Law, 1988
Membership Organizations
- Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates—Most recently presented an SABA-sponsored resolution, once approved, which the ABA advocated to the US Congress, where it became law for Medicare coverage for certain post-cancer care.
- ABA Task Force on Prosecutorial Independence, member
- Western District of Texas Courts, Criminal Justice Act Representative
- Appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas to the Texas Board of Law Examiners, the oversight organization of the bar exam and bar application process. Was part of the team that moved to the Universal Bar Exam
- SABA Criminal Courts Committee, Chair, working with criminal court leadership and stakeholders
- SABA Federal Courts Committee, member and serve on various sub-committees including the annual Trial of Santa Claus, homemade holiday party and other projects
- Founded the Gerry Goldstein Scholarship at St. Mary's University School of Law
Accomplishments
- 2014 National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers recipient- Robert C. Heeney Award. Since 1981, it has been given annually to one attorney who best exemplifies the goals and values of the legal profession.
- 2021 ABA Charles English Award for Most Collaborative Criminal Lawyer Award recipient
- SA Women's Hall of Fame inductee
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Hall of Fame, inductee
- Most honored to be Gerry Goldstein's law partner at Goldstein & Orr
Why vote for me?
I am running for the SABA Board because San Antonio has one of the country's most collegial legal communities. There is so much more the state criminal process and its stakeholders can contribute to our community, its businesses, and its citizens. We have so many good people in SABA and the courts that are natural advocates and since I love lawyers and people, I can't wait to work together with all of you to accomplish really good things under the SABA leadership. It is really fun to work with new lawyers, businesses in our community, and people with brilliant new ideas to make something better, understand each other, and accomplish good things. I think John Lewis called it "good trouble and necessary trouble."
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Kristal Cordova Thomson
Langley & Banack, Inc.
Family Law
St. Mary's University School of Law, 2002
Membership Organizations
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Fellow (Former Texas Chapter President)
- Bexar County Women's Bar Association, Member (Former Board Member 2009)
- Junior League of San Antonio (Sustainer)
- Leadership San Antonio Alumni Association, President
- Rotary Club San Antonio
- San Antonio Bar Foundation, Fellow
- State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section (Former Section Chair 2020-2021); Pattern Jury Charge Committee Family and Probate; Texas Bar College
- Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, President-Elect
- Texas Bar Foundation, (Board of Trustees)
- Texas Family Law Foundation, Board Member, Legislative Committee Chair
Accomplishments
- Board Certified, Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- 2024-2020 -Best Lawyers in America®, Family Law
- 2021 & 2023 -"Lawyer of the Year, Family Law, San Antonio" -Best Lawyers in America®
- 2024 -2018 -"Super Lawyer; Family Law" -Texas Monthly
- 2023 -Brian Webb Legislative Award, Texas Family Law Foundation
- 2022 -Leadership San Antonio, Class 43, Steering Committee Class 46
- 2018 -Standing Ovation Outstanding Volunteer Award -TexasBarCLE
- 2017 -40 Under 40 -San Antonio Business Journal
- 2007 -Belva Lockwood Outstanding Young Lawyer
- AV® Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubble
Why vote for me?
I have practiced in Bexar County for over 20 years, and it would be an honor to represent Bexar County lawyers in our local bar. I spent much of my career representing family lawyers in state-wide organizations and learned valuable organizational and leadership skills that will benefit SABA. More importantly, if I win, I might be motivated to update my headshot.
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CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Lauren A. Valkenaar
Chasnoff Valkenaar Pepping & Stribling, LLP
Commercial Litigation
St. Mary's University School of Law, 2013
Membership Organizations
- Texas Bar Foundation - Life Fellow (2023-present)
- Leadership San Antonio: Class 44
- Respite Care of San Antonio: Board of Directors (2074-present), Board Chair (2023- 2025)
- Defense Counsel of San Antonio: Board of Directors (2073-present), Past President (2077)
- Bexar County Women's Bar Association: Board of Directors (2022-2023)
- Special Reach: Board of Directors (2022)
- St. Mary' Law School Law School Mentorship Circles: Mentor (2020-2023)
- American Bar Association, Antitrust Division: Member
- San Antonio Bar Association, Litigation Section: Member
- St. Mary's School of Law Alumni Association: Member
Accomplishments
- Top Attorney in San Antonio, San Antonio Magazine
- 2021 Outstanding Women in Law, Scene in S.A.
- 2021-2022 Top Young Attorneys, Texas Monthly
- 2021-2022 Texas Rising Stars, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2021-2023
- 10 Under 10 Honoree - St. Mary's University School of Law, 2017
- Best S.A. Lawyers - Business Litigation, SA Scene Magazine, 2017, 2018, 2020-2023
- Best S.A. Female Lawyer - Business Litigation, SA Scene Magazine, 2021
- Rising Star - Business & Commercial Litigation, SA Scene Magazine, 2017-2021
- Distinguished Young Alumna Award, St. Mary's School of Law Alumni Association, 2023
- Leading Commercial Litigator of the Year - USA, Leading Advisor Awards, 2023
Why vote for me?
I really enjoy being of service to this great legal community in San Antonio. I'm appreciative of the board service of those before me and look forward to giving back, in whatever way is most helpful.
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Zachary "Zack" Zurek
Jackson Walker LLP
Business Litigation
St. Mary's University School of Law, 2014
Membership Organizations
- San Antonio Young Lawyers Association (SAYLA) - currently the Immediate Past President, prior to that, I served in various roles on the Board and Executive Board beginning in 2015, also during the year of my presidency, and thanks to the great work of our phenomenal board, SAYLA was awarded First Place in the Single Project-Service to the Bar Award by the Texas Young Lawyers Association
- Federal Bar Association - Director, 2019 through present
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- San Antonio Bar Foundation, Fellow
- The William S. Sessions American Inns of Court, Barrister
- The Alzheimer's Association San Antonio & South Texas Chapter, Board Member, 2018-2021
Accomplishments
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Commercial Litigation, 2024;
- Texas Rising Star -Business Litigation, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2019-2023
- Named to "Up-and-Coming 100: Texas Rising Stars" list, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2023
- "Best S.A. Lawyers" List, Business Litigation, San Antonio Scene, 2018-2023
- "Rising Star Lawyers" List, San Antonio Scene, 2017, 2021-2022
- 10 Under 10 Luncheon Honoree, St. Mary's University School of Law Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Council, 2019
Why vote for me?
Following 9 years of work with SAYLA, I believe that I have a unique insight and appreciation for the interests and goals of the lessseasoned members of our Bar. I believe this insight would allow me to bring ideas to SABA that might spur greater participation and interest by younger or newly licensed lawyers. I'm excited about this opportunity and would greatly appreciate your vote.
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