State Bar Director Spotlight • May 2025
Stephen J. Venzor
Hometown: EL PASO
Position: OWNER OF THE EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS LAW FIRM OF
STEPHEN J. VENZOR IN EL PASO
Board Member: DISTRICT 17 SINCE 2023
Interview by Will Korn
Photo courtesy of Stephen J. Venzor
I TRADED KITCHENS FOR COURTROOMS—AND IT WAS THE RIGHT CALL. Before law school, I went to culinary school and worked under a two Michelin-starred chef. That experience showed me firsthand what it’s like to perform in high-stakes environments. Long hours, no margin for error, and constant pressure to deliver— sound familiar, lawyers? You develop discipline fast, and that mindset translated directly to my legal career. But it also made me realize something: I loved cooking, but it wasn’t allowing me to make the kind of impact I wanted to have on my community. Once I scratched the culinary itch, I dove fully into pursuing a legal career.
THE SYSTEM DOESN’T SLOW DOWN FOR THE UNDERDOG. Without proper representation or a clear grasp of the legal system, it’s easy for individuals and businesses to be taken advantage of. Growing up, I saw firsthand how a lack of legal knowledge or advocacy could leave people—especially small-business owners—vulnerable. Those lessons stuck with me. Our system doesn’t slow down for the underrepresented. But with the right knowledge, attention to detail, and the willingness to dig into the fine print, it’s possible to help people and businesses get the fair shake we like to call the American Dream. That challenge—and the opportunity to turn the tide for someone who wouldn’t normally stand a chance—is what pulled me in. It’s what still keeps me fired up every time I take on a new case.
THE LEGAL PROFESSION IS THE LAST OF THE BLOOD SPORTS. I started out doing labor and employment defense work at a large firm in El Paso, and the practice area clicked for me immediately. One of my mentors once told me that litigation is the last of the blood sports—the last place where you step into the arena one-on-one and fight like a gladiator. That hit home. I’ve always been a competitive person (probably why I love video games). But litigation isn’t about being the strongest or even the smartest. It’s about being the most prepared—outworking your opponent. That mindset is what hooked me. Labor and employment had everything I loved: real stakes, real people, and real impact. Eventually, I opened my own firm so I could choose my battles, especially the ones where I get to stand up for the little guy.
TO ANY NEW LAWYER: SOAK UP EVERYTHING YOU CAN EARLY ON. But once you know your lane, don’t be afraid to bet on yourself. Starting my own firm has been the best move I’ve made—not just professionally, but personally. It gave me space to breathe, reset, and build a practice that reflects who I am and how I want to serve. After spending years in two high-pressure industries—the culinary world and the legal world—I knew I needed a healthier pace. Both fields glorify exhaustion. Both demand perfection. And both tend to overlook the long-term toll that kind of pressure takes.
OUR PROFESSION DOESN’T JUST NEED BALANCE—IT NEEDS PERSPECTIVE. Born in the late 1980s, I fall between generations. I came up mostly in a system that rewards extremely long hours, and I know how much it can teach you about resilience and accountability. There’s real value in showing up early, staying late, putting in the reps, and earning your stripes. But I also came up in part with the newer generation, and I understand their emphasis on boundaries. And they’re not wrong. The culture of being “always on” comes with real consequences. I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. If we don’t make space for attorneys to actually live their lives, we’re going to keep losing good people to burnout, depression, and worse. The State Bar has made progress here, but there’s still more work to do— more resources, more honest conversations, and, most importantly, better mentorship. Especially at the firms where young attorneys typically begin their careers, we need to encourage cultures that promote balance—not just billing.
STATE BAR OF TEXAS DIRECTORS NEED TO REMEMBER WHO THEY REPRESENT. At the end of the day, we’re here for the attorneys of Texas—not just their professional interests but their well-being, too. That means listening, asking the hard questions, and being willing to challenge the status quo when it’s the right thing to do. What’s surprised me most about serving on the board is how much alignment there actually is. We come from different places and perspectives, but we are all here for the same reason: to make life better for Texas lawyers and protect the integrity of the profession. I’m proud to be part of that work and proud to represent El Paso in the process.
