Texas Bar Journal • September 2026

Answer the Bell and Do the Right Thing

Fifty-year lawyer Richard Pena shares lessons he has learned, inspiration, and advice for young attorneys.

Interview by Will Korn
Photos by Eric Quitugua

Richard Pena

During his 50 years holding a law license, Richard Pena has been on quite a journey. During the waning years of the Vietnam War, he witnessed firsthand the violence of military conflict as an operating room specialist. He returned from an operating room specialist. He returned from the war, graduated from law school, and built his legal career from the ground floor, inspired by his vision to combat legal injustices at home and abroad. Over the years, Pena has chaired and represented numerous international delegations with the mission of safeguarding justice around the world. In 1998, he stepped into another leadership role as president of the State Bar of Texas, dedicating his term to bolstering the public’s trust in the law. Most recently, Pena and several of his colleagues licensed to practice law in 1976 were honored for becoming 50-year lawyers during a ceremony held at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting in Houston in June. The president and CEO of the Law Offices of Richard Pena in Austin spoke to the Texas Bar Journal about what his half-century-long adventure has meant to him, the lessons in life and law that he’s taken to heart along the way, and a bit of inspiration for all those following on their own paths in the legal profession.

WHAT ORIGINALLY INSPIRED YOU TO STUDY LAW? WAS THERE ANOTHER CAREER YOU ONCE CONSIDERED?
I entered law school during one of America’s most turbulent years: 1970. Those of my generation watched America struggle with questions of justice, civil rights, government authority, and, of course, the Vietnam War. College students were protesting the war in the streets, and many were being drafted and sent to Vietnam to face an uncertain future. Most of my peers in my class of 50-year lawyers went through this experience. Like other young men of that era, I faced the draft and was, in fact, drafted during my senior year of college. I was drawn to the law because it seemed like an avenue to advocate for what was right and defend people against injustice. I was fortunate to be accepted into the University of Texas School of Law, and I received a one-year military deferment before entering service.

After my first year of law school, I entered the Army and was sent to Vietnam as an operating room specialist. I was among the last drafted, among the last sent to Vietnam, and among those who left on the final day of American military involvement in that country. The war ended as my fellow soldiers and I flew home. I hadn’t seriously considered another career, though I probably would have wound up as a journalist or a coach.

YOU CHRONICLED THE LAST YEAR OF THE VIETNAM WAR IN YOUR CO-AUTHORED BOOK, LAST PLANE OUT OF SAIGON, AND YOU WERE AMONG THE FINAL GROUP OF AMERICAN MILITARY PERSONNEL WHO LEFT ON THE LAST DAY OF MILITARY INVOLVEMENT. NOT LONG AFTER THIS, YOU WERE BACK AT UT BEGINNING YOUR SECOND YEAR OF LAW SCHOOL. HOW DID YOU HANDLE THIS QUICK TRANSITION TO YOUR STUDIES COMING FROM SUCH A TUMULTUOUS TIME OVERSEAS?
The person I was when I got drafted and left for Vietnam after my first year of law school was not the same person who returned. I worked in the operating room of the last remaining American hospital in Vietnam. Injured soldiers were flown in from the field by helicopter, and we treated the devastating results of war day after day. When I returned to America and law school, I saw things differently. Law school felt less intimidating, I had a fresh perspective on what truly mattered, and I recognized that becoming a lawyer was a license to fight for justice.

I returned from Vietnam with very little patience for injustice. My journey to the legal profession was not a straight line, but it deepened my appreciation for the role lawyers play in preserving the rule of law and helping people in need. Looking back, my Vietnam experience gave me a perspective no classroom ever could.

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE MOST PRESSING CHALLENGES YOU FACED IN YOUR FIRST FEW YEARS? HOW DID YOU ADDRESS THESE CHALLENGES?
It felt like everything was a challenge, but at the same time, it was thrilling because I was finally a lawyer. I faced both practical and personal obstacles. After becoming licensed, I embarked on a job search because that was what you were supposed to do. After numerous rejections, I eventually received several job offers. Ultimately, I decided to open my own firm out of the back room of a rented duplex. I hung up my law license, set out a phone and a yellow notepad, and opened for business. My parents bought me a suit, two dress shirts, a pair of wingtip shoes, and a briefcase. Since I didn’t have a presentable office, I made house calls in an old clunker of a car. I had to tie the driver’s side door shut with a rope, it leaked oil, and it had no air conditioning—but I was a lawyer and proud of it.

Every generation of lawyers faces unique challenges, and back then, the profession looked very different than it does today. We didn’t have personal computers, copiers, email, electronic filing, or smartphones. We used carbon paper and manual or electric typewriters. Correcting mistakes was a major task! Yes, it was a challenge, but it was also fun.

OVER THE YEARS, WHAT ASPECT OF BEING A LAWYER HAS BROUGHT YOU THE MOST JOY?
When I began practicing law in 1976, I thought success was measured by cases won, money made, or fame achieved. Over the years, I discovered that success is measured by the people you help and the relationships you build along the way. I’ve learned that the greatest happiness comes from helping change lives, mentoring young or aspiring lawyers, and remaining true to your calling. It isn’t about the money—that is not why we are lawyers. What matters is what you do with your law license.

HOW DID YOUR TERM AS STATE BAR OF TEXAS PRESIDENT (1998-1999) ENHANCE YOUR LAW CAREER? WHAT WAS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT TAKEAWAY FROM THIS OPPORTUNITY?
I had an active year as State Bar president. The theme of my presidency was “Restoring Public Trust and Confidence in the Legal Profession.” I traveled across the state speaking to bar associations and attorney groups. We hosted free ethics CLE programs statewide under the banner “What Would Atticus Do?” referring to Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. In the novel, Atticus Finch represents a Black man falsely accused of a crime. He knew he would face intense hostility in his small town and likely lose the case due to racial prejudice, yet his duty to his profession, the rule of law, and the Constitution demanded that he defend the accused. He demonstrated professional courage, a commitment to equal justice, and a firm belief in a lawyer’s responsibility to strengthen the justice system. My career was enriched by meeting lawyers across Texas and reinforcing the truth that our profession—and our country—works best when we stay committed to justice, civility, public service, and the rule of law.

DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE DURING THE 50-YEAR LAWYER RECOGNITION DURING THE STATE BAR OF TEXAS ANNUAL MEETING IN HOUSTON IN JUNE. WHO ELSE ATTENDED THIS CEREMONY WITH YOU?
The State Bar of Texas did a wonderful job of honoring the 50-year lawyers—they truly made us feel special. I was thrilled that my wife, Carolyn, was there with me, just as she was when I was first licensed in 1976. For me, the highlight was gathering with everyone for the group photo; I felt honored to stand among such a distinguished group. Reflecting on that photo brought back 50 years of memories. Above all, the time went by so fast because I never stopped learning or trying to improve. I believe many in that room felt the same way.

Richard Pena
Above: Richard Pena with his wife, Carolyn, at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 50-year lawyer reception in June 2026 in Houston.

YOU HAVE SAID THAT A LAWYER “CARRIES A SHIELD AND A SWORD.” WHAT DOES THIS PHRASE MEAN TO YOU?
When we were granted our law licenses by the Supreme Court
of Texas, we were handed an invisible sword and shield—along with the deep responsibility not to abuse them.

  • The Shield: Symbolizes our duty to protect clients from injustice, uphold the Constitution, and defend those who cannot defend themselves.

  • The Sword: Symbolizes advocacy—pursuing justice when wrongs have occurred and using the law to fix them.

A lawyer must know when to draw the sword and when to raise the shield. Early in my career, I thought a lawyer’s strength was all about wielding the sword—winning arguments and prevailing in court. Over time, I’ve learned that greater skill often lies in carrying the shield to protect clients from profound harm. Wisdom comes from knowing when to use neither.

DURING YOUR CAREER, YOU’VE LED 21 INTERNATIONAL DELEGATIONS (COMPOSED OF MANY OTHER TEXAS LAWYERS AND JUDGES) TO SEVERAL COUNTRIES FOCUSING ON THE RULE OF LAW. FROM THESE EXPERIENCES, WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT HOW THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF LAW ARE INTERCONNECTED AROUND THE WORLD?
I began leading legal delegations in 2000 through the People- to-People Program (PTP), an ambassador-led initiative founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Having commanded Allied forces in Europe during World War II, Eisenhower intimately understood the devastation of war. In 1956, he convened a White House conference of 100 prominent Americans built on a simple premise: if people talk, they don’t fight. The program’s mission was to promote peace through personal interaction, cross-cultural understanding, and professional exchange.

I eventually served as chair of the advisory board and led 21 legal delegations of Texas judges and attorneys to roughly 15 countries—including places that had rarely hosted U.S. legal groups, such as India, Cuba, China, and Tibet. We met with high-ranking judges, attorneys, and government officials. Across the globe, I saw that lawyers share a profound commitment to defending the rule of law, even if it takes different forms.

WHAT IS PUSHING YOU TO KEEP GOING IN YOUR PRACTICE?
The simple answer to why I keep going is, “Why not?” Clients still need help, and justice, the rule of law, and American democracy need as many allies as possible.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR YOUNG ATTORNEYS WHO MIGHT ASPIRE TO ONE DAY REACH THE 50-YEAR MARK THEMSELVES?
I don’t think the goal should be practicing law for 50 years;
rather, it should be building a meaningful career and a good life. Along the way, try to leave things better than you found them. Here are a few principles I’ve tried to live by:

  • Look at the whole person: When working with a client, focus on what will truly improve their life, not just how to resolve their immediate legal issue.

  • Embrace the journey: Legal careers have twists and turns but try to enjoy every step. Remember how fortunate you are to practice law and treat every challenge as an adventure.

  • Show up and serve: Volunteer for bar events and put in the work. The professional and personal rewards are greater than you can imagine.

  • Prepare and practice kindness: Overprepare for your work but always remain civil. Life is hard enough without us making it harder for others.

  • Maintain perspective: Think of the practice of law as a long game. When you win, celebrate quietly and let the results speak for themselves. When you lose, accept it with grace and move forward.

  • Play by the rules: Treat everyone—colleagues, opponents, and staff—with genuine respect.

  • Focus on human impact: Clients rarely remember legal arguments, but they will always remember how you made them feel during a stressful time in their lives.

LOOKING BACK AT THE FULL PICTURE OF YOUR CAREER, HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED AS A LAWYER?
I would like people to remember me as someone who answered the bell and did the right thing.