State Bar Director Spotlight • January 2025
Rosalind V.O. Perez
Hometown: Reading, England
Position: Shareholder in Perez Law
in Victoria
Board
Member: District 11 Since
2023
Interview by Will Korn
Photo courtesy of Rosalind V.O. Perez
The first memory I have of wanting to be an attorney was when I was 8 years old. I can’t tell you why I was drawn to the profession, but for some reason, an 8-year-old shy me thought I would be good at it. Since then, it has been the goal I have worked toward.
INTERESTINGLY,
FAMILY
LAW
WASN’T MY ORIGINAL PLAN.
I have
a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and assumed
I’d practice intellectual property law, working on the cutting
edge of biomedical advancements. But family law found me.
Despite my best attempts to avoid it, it chased me down and caused me
to fall in love with its ability to constantly keep you on your toes.
Facts change quickly, and human nature never ceases to surprise. These
challenges keep my “engineering brain” working and
reassessing, which I find incredibly rewarding. My husband’s
career as a chemical engineer brought us to Victoria, where
intellectual property opportunities
are limited. While in law school, I interned with Judge Jack
W. Marr, who introduced me to family law and ultimately inspired my
entire career in this field.
I FELT THAT RURAL AREAS IN TEXAS, LIKE MY OWN COMMUNITY,
ARE OFTEN UNDERREPRESENTED WITHIN THE STATE BAR OF
TEXAS.
I wanted to give small towns, solo practitioners, and
small firms a stronger voice in the decision-making processes. The
challenges we face in these communities—such as fewer resources, limited
mentorship opportunities, and isolation— are unique, and I wanted to
ensure they were part of the broader conversation at the State Bar.
ONE OF THE BEST-KEPT SECRETS, AT LEAST FOR ATTORNEYS IN
RURAL AREAS, IS JUST HOW HARD THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND THE STATE BAR TEAM WORK to serve the
entire Texas
legal community. I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside
incredible directors who actively seek out ways to improve the
profession and address challenges for attorneys of all backgrounds.
This experience has taught me the value of being proactive—identifying
issues before they escalate and
advocating for the specific needs of underserved communities. What has
struck me most is the dedication of my fellow directors. These are
attorneys with demanding practices, family responsibilities, and other
service commitments, yet they still find time to prioritize the
profession and its future. It’s both humbling and inspiring, and
it pushes me to do more for those around me.
THE MOST CRITICAL ROLE OF A STATE BAR DIRECTOR IS TO STAY ACTIVELY ENGAGED—ask tough questions, raise concerns, and work collaboratively to find solutions that address the needs of attorneys across Texas. Governance isn’t just about attending meetings; it’s about representing all members of the State Bar and making sure their voices are heard.
THE BOARD IS WORKING HARD TO ADDRESS CRITICAL CHALLENGES from access to justice to ensuring the profession evolves with the changing needs of society. Personally, I’ve prioritized advocating for solo practitioners, small firms, and rural attorneys. By creating more inclusive and practical solutions for these attorneys, we strengthen the profession as a whole. My fellow directors and I are committed to improving the bar by listening, collaborating, and driving meaningful change. Whether it’s by increasing awareness of State Bar resources, enhancing communication, or addressing the most pressing issues facing attorneys, we’re making the profession more equitable, sustainable, and accessible for all Texas lawyers.
NEVER SAY “NO” TO AN OPPORTUNITY—you never know where it might lead or which doors it may open. But even more importantly, remember that law can be all-consuming. It’s essential to make space for the rest of your life. Before you were a law student or attorney, you were a person with passions and hobbies. Don’t lose sight of those parts of yourself.