CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT
Emma Cano
Jefferson Cano
Business & Commercial Litigation
Texas Tech University School of Law, 2002
Membership Organizations
- San Antonio Bar Association, Treasurer
- San Antonio Bar Association, Civil Courts Committee Board Liaison
- San Antonio Bar Association, Litigation Law Section, Member
- San Antonio Bar Association, 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, District 10 Panel Chair and Member
- State Bar of Texas Corporate Counsel Section, Treasurer and Former Chair
- State Bar of Texas Bar Leaders Conference, Committee Member
- State Bar of Texas Minority Counsel Program, Steering Committee Chair and Member
- Texas Tech University School of Law Foundation, Board Member
- William S. Sessions American Inn of Court, Member and Former President
- YWCA of San Antonio, Former Board President and Member
Accomplishments
- Frequent author and presenter at Texas Bar CLE programs
- 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
- 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, 2021-2025
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 as SABA's President-elect 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.
CANDIDATE FOR TREASURER
Elizabeth "Liz" Provencio
City Attorney's Office, City of San Antonio
Municipal Law, Labor & Employment
University of Michigan, 1997
Membership Organizations
- San Antonio Bar Association, Secretary
- Board of Trustees for the San Antonio Water System, Trustee, 2009-2013
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization Certified, Labor & Employment Law
Accomplishments
- Legal Professional Award, Mexican American Bar Association, 2022
- Latina Leadership Institute, Presenter
- Managed the creation, development and staffing of the City's new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Department that is now serving all City departments to lead toward more equitable delivery of City services
- Part of leadership team that managed significant litigation for the City including pandemic emergency orders, SB4 (Sanctuary City) suit brought by the State and other arbitration resolving the CBA impasse between the City and its fire association
- Lead Lawyer from City Attorney's Office on negotiations of the 2024-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of San Antonio and Local 624 International Association of Fire Fighters and 2022-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Police Officers Association
- Restructured City Attorney's Office from six departments to four to further client support, collaboration and developmental opportunities
- Texas Bar Foundation Fellow
- Texas Bar CLE Advances Government Law Presenter, 2019
- Immigration Challenges - Local Government at the the Forefront
- Public Employer Labor Relations Association Presenter, 2016
- "The Difference Between Meet & Confer and Collective Bargaining," Hispanic National Bar Association Corporate Counsel Conference
- Co-presenter, "Ethical Issues in Employment Investigations & Litigation," 2015
- Texas City Attorney Association Co-Presenter, "Ethics: The City Attorney as 'Investigator' with Ross Fischer," 2010
- Mom to two amazing daughters, Francesca (16) and Camilla (14) and wife who enjoys family time, reading, running, yoga and flamenco dance
Why vote for me?
Dear Colleagues,
Thank you for your work each day! You empower clients each and every day in meaningful ways. I also thank you for your time as you consider the leadership for our San Antonio Bar. Serving on the Board of SABA is an honor in that I see the critical work of the lawyers in our community day-in and day-out. I respectfully request your vote to continue the work. Please consider my 29+ years of experience that include: serving in a large firm litigation practice, serving governments' litigation and labor negotiation needs across Texas in a boutique law firm, and now serving in a leadership capacity in-house for our community with the City of San Antonio. I relish the opportunities clients and fellow lawyers afford me. Born and raised in a small copper-mining town, I grew up watching hard work by women and men around me wearing steel-toe boots and hard hats. I continue to be inspired by the discipline that drove my grandparents to get up in the morning, work overtime shifts and come home in ore-dusted boots, a work ethic driven by gratitude for the opportunity, love of family and commitment. That work ethic led to more opportunities for generations that followed by with the same determination. Through my personal professional experiences, I hope to support lawyers in their evolving careers. As an integrated member of a 13,000 City Team, I actively seek out ways to support and develop those around me. Meeting people where they are and addressing their needs leads to great outcomes for the community. I work hard to be a good listener to thoughtfully explore options and paths forward. I hope to continue this same ethic, enthusiasm and support to earn your vote and earn the opportunity to work hard and advocate for your SABA needs. Thank you for your consideration and for all you do.
CANDIDATE FOR SECRETARY
Jorge A. Herrera
The Herrera Law Firm
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation
The University of Texas School of Law, 2005
Membership Organizations
- San Antonio Trial Lawyers Board Member
- Texas Trial Lawyers Board of Directors
- Texas Trial Lawyers Past Vice-President and Former Chair of Advocates
- San Antonio Bar Association, Director
- Board of Advocates for Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Chair
- National Board of Directors for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund
Accomplishments
- San Antonio Trial Lawyers Pat Maloney Courage Award
- Texas Bar Foundation Texas Trial Lawyers Reich Chandler Award
- Awarded SA Best Lawyer
- Awarded Texas Best Lawyer
- Authored many CLE papers and conducted presentation on 18-wheeler collisions, work injuries, construction/oil field accident litigation, and trial technology
Why vote for me?
I have proudly served as an elected Director for the San Antonio Bar Association. As former 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. The Law School Committee has also hosted an annual courthouse tour for St. Mary's law students and this year has hosted career panels. 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.
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Cynthia Orr
Goldstein & Orr
Criminal Law
St. Mary's University School of Law, 1988
Membership Organizations
- San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Past President
- American Bar Association Criminal Defense Lawyers, Past President
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Past President
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Past President
- Board of Law Examiners
- Texas Innocence Network, Co-founder
Accomplishments
- Texas Super Lawyers as recognized by Thompson Reuters, Texas Monthly, 2003 – Present
- Won First Confession of Error in a Capital Murder Case in TX, 2000
- Inducted into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame in Law, 2006
- Best Lawyers in America White Collar Crime & Appellate, 2006 – 2009
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Texas, American Association for Justice, 2007 – Present
- Best Lawyers in America, 2005 – Present
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Presidential Award, 1994 – 1998, 2000-2001, 2003, 2012, 2021, 2022
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Board Resolution re: Cynthia Hujar Orr’s contribution to justice in the United States, July 31, 2009
- Presidential Recognition by National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 1999 – 2004, 2007-2008
- San Antonio Bar Association Presidential Award, 1998
Why vote for me?
I am invested in the San Antonio legal community and court systems by working with all stakeholders making sure our bar foundation flourishes and ensuring continued collegiality in the San Antonio Bar Association.
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Kristal C. Thomson
Goranson Bain Ausley Family Law
Family Law
St. Mary's University School of Law, 2002
Membership Organizations
- State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section, Past Section Chair
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Fellow
- Texas Family Law Foundation, Sustaining Life Member
- Texas Bar Foundation, Sustaining Life Fellow
- San Antonio Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Bexar County Women's Bar Association, Past Board Member and Officer
- College of the State Bar of Texas, Member
Accomplishments
- American College of Family Trial Lawyers, Diplomate (limited to 100 family lawyers in the country)
- 40Under40, San Antonio Business Journal
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America
- Leadership San Antonio Class #43
I'm honored to seek your support to continue serving on the SABA Board. With more than 20 years of experience in family law, and recognition by my peers through Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers, I bring both expertise and work ethic to the role. I've been fortunate to serve our profession in leadership positions across Texas, and I remain committed to supporting our members, strengthening our local bar, and keeping SABA a place where lawyers actually want to be involved. And since I'm unopposed, this may be the least stressful decision you make all year. I would be grateful for you vote.
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Abel Martinez
H-E-B
Employment, Personal Injury, Federal Government Affairs
The University of Houston Law Center, 1990
Membership Organizations
- Current SABA Board of Directors Member
- 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!
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CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR
Soledad M. Valenciano
Spivey Valenciano PLLC
Eminent Domain
SMU Dedman School of Law, 2006
Membership Organizations
- Bexar County LEAD Academy, Advisory Board 2025-present, Steering Committee 2020-2025
- Federal Bar Association-San Antonio Chapter, President 2019-2020
- Real Estate Section of the San Antonio Bar Association, Chair 2024-2025
- CREW San Antonio, Member 2025-present
- National Association of Women Business Owners-San Antonio, Member
- Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center, Volunteer Mediator 2016-2018
- North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lab 2012
- San Antonio Young Lawyers Association, Director 2007-2009
Accomplishments
- Scene in S.A. Magazine's San Antonio's Outstanding Women in Law 2021-2024
- Thompson Reuters Service's Texas Super Lawyer, 2022-2025
- Texas Monthly's Top Women Attorneys in Texas 2023
- Thompson Reuters Service's Texas Super Lawyers Texas Rising Star 2014-2016
- Scene in S.A. Magazine's Top Lawyer in Eminent Domain 2018-2025
- Co-Author, Federal Court Update, San Antonio Lawyer Magazine
- "Eminent Domain: Key Cases to Know", Presentation for the State Bar of Texas 25th Annual Summer School: Sun, Sand, and CLE for the General Practitioner
- "Deep in the Heart of Texas: How Three Immigration Attorneys in Texas are Making a Difference", published in "At Side Bar" column of Federal Lawyer Magazine
Why vote for me?
Having practiced in both a large firm and now as a small firm owner, I understand the demands lawyers face and the value of a strong local bar that provides connection, mentorship, and meaningful programming. I bring proven leadership experience across several bar organizations and a practical, solutions-focused perspective. I care deeply about this bar and its members. I would be honored to serve as a SABA Director and would do so with energy, accountability, and follow-through.
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