|
Attorney
By
Attorney
Career Profiles of the Profession
Who?
What?
Primary Practice Area & Subspecialty Fields:
Labor & Employment Law.
When?
In Practice Area:
Since 1991
In the Legal Profession:
Since 1991
Where?
Employer:
Robinson Law Firm
www.robinsonlawfirm.com
Size/Sector:
Two-lawyer firm
City/State:
Abilene, TX
|
Law School:
University of Texas School of Law, J.D. (1991)
Undergraduate School/Degree:
Princeton University, A.B. in Psychology (1988)
|
Why?
Pluses/Challenges of Practice Area:
Labor and Employment Law is a fascinating practice area. It involves
the unpredictable complexities of how people interact in the workplace,
and every day presents a different challenge. I represent employers,
and enjoy the opportunity to not only help my clients stay in
compliance with the law, but also improve their human resource
practices and create a better workplace.
Core Skills/Key Knowledge Needed in Your Practice Area:
Excellent writing and speaking skills, strong "people"
skills, common sense and problem-solving skills.
How?
Career Path to Current Position:
I opened my own firm, the Robinson Law Firm, on January 1, 1998.
The firm is dedicated to the practice of defense-side employment
law. I previously worked at Bracewell & Patterson, L.L.P.
(Houston) from 1991 to 1994, and at the Wagstaff Law Firm (Abilene)
from 1994 to 1997.
Influences and Mentors:
My father, David T. Lopez, a wonderful lawyer who practices Labor
& Employment law on the Plaintiff's side.
Suggested Reading About Your Practice Area:
Publications of the ABA Section of Labor & Employment Law.
The State Bar of Texas also has an active Section of Labor &
Employment Law, and the Section's newsletter is available at www.laborlaw.org.
Bar Affiliations and Activities:
Board of Directors, State Bar of Texas, 2002-2005
Board Liaison, State Bar of Texas Labor & Employment Law and
School Law Sections, 2002-2003
Council, State Bar of Texas Labor & Employment Law Section,
1997-2002
ABA/YLD Labor & Employment Law Committee, 1995-2002; Vice-Chair
2001
Board of Directors, Texas Young Lawyers Association, 1994-1997
President, Big Country Society for Human Resource Management,
1999
Recent Professional Publications and Presentations:
Contributing author, Texas Employment Law, two-volume
set published by James Publishing, Inc., 1998. Co-editor and contributing
author, Texas School Law: A Practical Guide, published
by the Education Law Association, 1996.
Author/Speaker, Texas Bar CLE Advanced Employment Law Seminar
(1993-2003), Litigation Update Institute (2002), Advanced Business
& Commercial Litigation (2001), Employment Law "Basics"
Course (1998-1999), Employment Law Annual Update (2000-2001);
Suing and Defending Governmental Entities, (1994-1998); SMU Multi-State
Labor & Employment Course (2002); University of Texas Labor
& Employment Law Seminar (2001-2003); University of Houston
Employment Law Seminar (1996-2000). Contributor to the West Central
Texas Workforce Center newsletter and various ABA publications.
Memorable Career Moment:
It was a long time ago, but I am still proud that, when
I graduated cum laude in 1988, I was the youngest female graduate
in Princeton University history, having just turned 19. Opening
my own law firm was also memorable, especially the grand opening
ceremony in 1998, which was attended by friends and family from
all over Texas.
Intriguing Interests:
I love fine wine, and I write a weekly wine column for
the Abilene Reporter-News. I also enjoy Community Theater, and endeavor
to sing and dance in at least one musical per year.
|