State Bar Director Spotlight
Carmen Roe
Interview by Eric Quitugua
Photo courtesy of Carmen Roe
Hometown: Clear Lake
Position: Owner | Attorney | Boss at Carmen Roe Law
Firm
Board Member: District 4, Place 5 since 2018
When I was young I learned that the power of the police
over the people can be limitless and without oversight.
That knowledge empowered me to act because I knew instinctively that I
could even the playing field in a system that seemingly only respects
power.
I am proud to be a criminal defense lawyer.
I decided I wanted to be an advocate for others after witnessing an
illegal/random search that was conducted on my entire high school class.
This event invoked a passion for advocacy and ensuring the rights of
others are always respected.
For young lawyers, I would say
that while it’s good to have lawyers and mentors around you that you
respect and admire, the most important thing to remember is that you
have to be true to yourself. Each person brings something creative and
unique to the practice of law. Don’t sell yourself short trying to
emulate anyone else—even if it’s Rusty Hardin.
In 2018, I was invited by a colleague to run to be a State Bar
director for Houston.
At that time, there was no one on the board from the criminal bar and I
recognized the importance of having representation in the bar
leadership. #representationmatters
It’s important to me
to elevate the bar as a whole through diverse leadership as well as to
ensure representation for underrepresented groups like the criminal bar.
I am most proud of my election because I ran against a large-firm
lawyer with many connections in Houston. Most said I could not
win.
As a criminal practitioner, I welcomed this challenge and the criminal
bar rallied behind me. After a runoff, I won by just 30 votes. I was
honored to represent the criminal bar and to increase representation of
solo practitioners at the State Bar of Texas.
The hardest thing I’ve had to do as a director
is effectively represent the bar in difficult times that involve
diversity issues, matters of equality, and how to best advocate for
those who feel they do not have a voice in the bar.
A significant challenge for all directors is the limitations of our
position
as well as the difficulty in bridging the gap between what members want
and what can be accomplished by the State Bar of Texas. Keys to facing
these obstacles include a better understanding of the role the bar plays
in membership as well as empowering directors through participation
within the bar.
The one thing I am certain of as a director is how little I
knew,
and how little most members know, about all the opportunities and
benefits provided by the State Bar of Texas. A few of importance include
the wealth of resources and information on the Law Practice Management
website, the free advocacy and benefits afforded all members in the
health care marketplace, and free online seminars and resources.
Without question the top issue of 2020 is COVID-19.
Not only has it changed the way we interact with others; the coronavirus
has changed the way that we practice law. Because justice delayed often
manifests itself in the denial of justice, we as a bar must find a way
to ensure justice for our clients while remaining safe during the global
pandemic. Our president, executive director, and board of directors have
worked together and will continue to do so to provide resources and
information to help lawyers struggling during this difficult
time.TBJ
