STATE BAR DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT MARCH 2023
Mary L. Scott
Interview by Will Korn
Photo courtesy of Mary L. Scott
Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri
Position: Of counsel to Leboeuf Law in Dallas
Board Member: District 6, Place 3 since 2020
I have been fortunate to chair the Litigation and
Contracts subcommittee during my second and third years as a
director. During this time, the State Bar of Texas was faced
with the McDonald v. Firth litigation. Working with the State
Bar’s leadership, in-house and outside counsel, and the subcommittee on
the McDonald litigation and assisting in guiding the State Bar
to very satisfactory results in that case and in other miscellaneous
matters, have been extremely gratifying.
I find it fulfilling to be part of a group of lawyers, bar
staff, and public members who genuinely care about the lawyers in Texas
and who work tirelessly to address issues affecting these
lawyers. Everyone I have met on State Bar business has been
dedicated, passionate, and zealous in looking out for the best interests
of State Bar members and working toward the goal of making the personal
and professional lives of Texas lawyers better. Consequently, we get
useful things done, which is no mean feat given our varied backgrounds,
religious beliefs, cultures, political views, and other differences. It
is very satisfying.
I have made friends with numerous excellent lawyers across the
state. These largely are lawyers I would never have met, but
for my service as a State Bar director. They are a great resource for
advice and counsel, referrals, and just a chat when I need a friend.
Our role is a role of service to the members of the State Bar,
our legal system, and the public in its interaction with our legal
system. Everything we do is directed toward helping the State
Bar continually “do better” in all its endeavors. With that in mind, a
State Bar director must commit! The director must commit to show up and
be present at board of directors meetings, committee meetings, and State
Bar events and functions. Really listen—listen to the lawyers the
director represents from his or her district, listen to the other
directors, and listen to the State Bar staff—and follow through on
undertakings and assignments.
Young lawyers should begin building their network by joining
the local and specialty bar associations, including the young lawyer bar
associations, so they can get out and meet people in person. I
recommend joining the bar association sections and committees that will
put them in touch with business litigators or employment lawyers;
volunteering for committees and projects relating to trial practice,
business litigation, and employment law; and attending CLEs in these
practice areas. Young lawyers who work at firms should seek out the more
experienced lawyers who handle cases in their preferred areas of
practice. They should develop relationships with these folks and find
mentors who can help them get the kind of opportunities and experiences
they need to succeed in their practice. Every person they encounter may
end up as a client of some kind or other later in their career. These
young lawyers and law students should start now toward establishing
their reputation as a quality lawyer and quality person. I also advise
them to be respectful and always civil.
I like to have dinner with my husband and relax with a good
movie or book and spend time with family and friends. We enjoy
sailing and playing board and other games with our family, and I like to
cook new recipes and meals influenced by flavors from other parts of the
world. We love to watch both college and pro football, but when our
teams lose, it really is not that relaxing. TBJ
