Texas Bar Journal • July/August 2025

Rooted in Service

Community supervision and corrections director Alyson A. Martinez becomes the 2025-2026 Texas Young Lawyers Association president.

Interview by Eric Quitugua

Alyson Martinez’s path wasn’t always set on the law. Currently the director of adult probation for Webb and Zapata counties, she had her eyes set on becoming a journalist. The initial dream consisted of covering politics and policy and telling stories that mattered. But with time, Martinez knew she wanted to help people directly and couldn’t remain on the sidelines. She explored different paths, avoiding law for as long as she could. Then it clicked that becoming a lawyer was the right step for her.

“Some told me the work could feel repetitive, but I never saw it that way,” Martinez told the Texas Bar Journal. “Every person brought a different story, and each case required its own approach. I wanted to treat every client like a person—not a case file. I wanted them to feel heard, respected, and empowered, no matter their situation. And if I could make the system just a little more humane, one case at a time, then I was doing my job.”

Her path in the law brought her to becoming a public defender in her hometown of Laredo and eventually to corrections, where her insight gained from representing clients informs programs and policies she creates to support long-term success for individuals on probation. Before her swearing in as Texas Young Lawyers Association president during the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting in June, Martinez took time to chat with the TBJ about helping budding lawyers grow, her favorite TYLA programs, and her own TYLA signature project.

From left: Michael Martinez, Lily Martinez, Alyson Martinez, and Javier Martinez. Photos courtesy of Alyson A. Martinez.

“I wanted to run to represent the communities I’m a part of,” she said. “I’m incredibly proud to be the first TYLA president from Laredo. Being able to represent my hometown, which doesn’t always have the most robust bar presence, means the world to me.”

WHAT DREW YOU TO BECOMING A PUBLIC DEFENDER?
Becoming a public defender wasn’t part of my original plan. Honestly, my career has been a series of “never” moments that the universe turned into “actually, yes.” I initially wanted to be a prosecutor, but for several reasons, that path wasn’t available at the time. What I did know was that I wanted to start my career in public service, serving the community that raised me. I accepted a position as a public defender thinking it would be temporary—maybe two years, max. But then I fell in love with the work. I loved the direct connection with clients, the ability to walk with them through one of the hardest times in their lives, and the moments where I could help them with more than just their legal case.

WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU TOOK FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THE WEBB COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE?
That justice isn’t just about laws—it’s about people. Listening to clients, their stories, and their struggles reminded me daily that empathy is one of our most powerful tools as lawyers. I also learned that you get more done when you work together. It’s called a justice system for a reason—it functions best when all parts work with professionalism and mutual respect. Building strong relationships, even across the aisle, made me a better advocate and helped my clients in meaningful ways.

WHAT DREW YOU TO BECOMING MORE INVOLVED WITH TYLA?
I was craving something more and looking for ways to continue growing through bar service. I had just finished my term as president of the Laredo-Webb County Bar Association and completed LeadershipSBOT, and I knew I wanted to keep going. When the opportunity with TYLA came up, I was excited to take that next step. My friend, Julia Rubio, had decided not to run for a second term and encouraged me to run. I’m especially excited that she’s returning to finish out her term this year—we’ll get to serve together, which feels like a full-circle moment.

WHAT IS SOME OF THE WORK YOU’VE GOTTEN TO DO WITH TYLA THAT HAS HELPED THE PROFESSION?
Through TYLA, I’ve had the chance to work on projects that support lawyers at every stage of their careers. From creating resources that demystify our court system to developing tools for law students and new attorneys, our work is rooted in service. These initiatives help educate the public, uplift the next generation, and support young lawyers as they grow in their practice.

From left: Texas Young Lawyers Association Past President Laura Pratt, TYLA Board Member Michael Hanson, Alyson Martinez, TYLA Past President Michael Ritter, and TYLA Immediate Past President Hisham Masri. Photo courtesy of Alyson A. Martinez.

WHAT TYLA PROJECTS HAVE YOU WORKED ON AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE?
I’m incredibly proud of the work TYLA does every year. We’re a board of passionate young lawyers with full practices and busy lives, but we show up to do the work that matters. I’m especially proud to have helped bring How Texas Courts Work to life, and I’m equally excited about the Texas Law Student Hub and the impact it’s already having on aspiring lawyers across the state.

CAN WE GET A PREVIEW OF YOUR SIGNATURE PROJECT?
My signature project is For the Public: Texas Lawyers in Public Service, and it’s something we’ll be working on collectively as a board. I’ve dedicated my entire career to public service, and I’ve always been inspired by the work being done across the state. That inspiration deepened last year as I visited public service offices during my campaign—I saw firsthand the breadth of their impact and the difference they make in their communities. This project will spotlight attorneys serving in public roles and help encourage others to follow in their footsteps.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL AS TYLA PRESIDENT?
My goal is to uplift first-generation attorneys, strengthen our support for local affiliates, and continue prioritizing wellness in our profession—but I don’t want to do it alone. I want to lead collaboratively, leaning on the strength of our incredible board of directors. We have such a talented and passionate group, and together, I know we can build something meaningful that reflects the passion and dedication of young lawyers across Texas.