State Bar Director Spotlight
Luis M. Cardenas
Interview by Eric Quitugua
Photo courtesy of Luis M. Cardenas
Hometown: McAllen
Position: Founding partner in Escobedo & Cardenas
in Edinburg
Board Member: At-large director since 2019
Becoming a lawyer was something that evolved over
time.
But looking back now on the decision to become a lawyer there is no
doubt it was the right path.
Success comes in different ways for different
people.
Being a founding partner in my own law firm always signified a level of
accomplishment to me. There is something about charting your own path
that always appealed to me. Founding my law firm, Escobedo &
Cardenas, gave me great satisfaction, but it is also a testament to
those who I have learned from and who have supported me throughout my
career.
My partner, Joe Escobedo, had a great term as director and
then chair of the board of directors.
Seeing his incredibly positive experience and working with such
dedicated lawyers on the Pattern Jury Charges committees inspired me to
become more involved in the State Bar and led me to want to become a
director.
Many people are unaware of the limitations
of what the State Bar Board of Directors can and cannot do. Sometimes
the toughest thing to do is stay within those limitations even though
every part of you wants to take action.
The State Bar provides many benefits that some members
probably do not realize.
The bar often sends informative and helpful communications regarding
member benefits. Reading up and logging on to the State Bar website may
be a real eye-opener to some of our members.
The bar does a great deal for its members within the
constraints of the founding purpose and mission statement.
I think the bar strikes the right balance in providing services for the
membership.
Obviously, emerging from COVID-19 will be the priority for
Texas attorneys.
I’m sure most lawyers are yearning to have more face-to-face
interactions and return to our pre-COVID-19 practices, although
hopefully with some improvements in efficiency brought about by the
pandemic. And, of course, live jury trials! The bar will provide
relevant CLE, keep the membership informed and, of course, provide
essential services despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic.
The board of directors has improved the legal profession
by
focusing on and improving diversity in the profession and in the State
Bar and by working to ensure the bar is inclusive and welcoming to
lawyers of all backgrounds and encouraging them to participate in the
State Bar.
I still want to see the bar continue to improve on its
diversity and inclusion.
It cannot be a one-time thing or something we focus on during one
person’s term. It should always be a constant and continuing effort on
everyone’s part.
Contacting your district director is the best way to raise
issues with the board.
District directors are there to listen to their constituents and try to
effectuate positive suggestions they receive from
members.TBJ
