STATE BAR DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT MAY 2022
Andrew Tolchin
Photo courtesy of Andrew Tolchin
Hometown: Greater Houston
Position: Mediator at 713 Mediator, LLC in Houston
and founder of “Texas Lawyers” Group
Board Member: District 4, Place 6 since 2020
When attorneys asked me questions about the bar, some I
could answer, but many I could not.
I realized that I needed to become more involved, so I ran for director.
In the process, I learned about how the State Bar of Texas has improved
the quality of professional legal services rendered to Texans by the
lawyers of the state. As now a twice-elected director, I stay current on
the happenings of the bar and can better support our members and our bar
at large.
Mediating full-time is so rewarding. I get to bring about resolution,
and help folks save time and money.
It’s especially fulfilling when the attorneys and the parties say in
advance the case cannot be settled, but through the mediation process,
resolution is achieved. With so much stress in this world, I like being
able to alleviate some of that from clients and the attorneys too.
My first term on the board, I proposed changes to the State Bar of
Texas online attorney directory lookup tool.
The result was the addition of targeted and more expansive search
parameters for languages spoken, for licenses held, and for fields of
practice. These changes enabled the search tool to more so reflect the
diversity and uniqueness of our membership and accommodate the search
needs of the public we serve.
Volunteer. Attend meetings. Present and attend continuing legal
education programs.
Ask someone in a bar leadership position, such as a State Bar section
chair or local bar chair, where you can help out. It really does not
matter if it is a local bar or the State Bar. You and your help will be
appreciated. You will make wonderful new friends and contacts. Most
importantly, you will have the potential to make a strong positive
difference in the quality of legal services provided to the hard-working
Texans.
It may be cliché, but it’s true: You really do get out what you put
in.
Do what you love and love what you do, but family and health must come
first.TBJ
