Our newest For the Public episode features a powerful conversation originally hosted last fall as a live Zoom webinar by TYLA’s Public Service Committee. Moderated by 2025-2026 TYLA President Alyson Martinez, this Careers That Serve panel brings together four young public service attorneys - Anthony Franklyn, Ruby Boone, Mary Rios, and Todd Smith - whose careers reflect the wide spectrum of what public service law truly looks like: from federal prosecution to municipal practice, pro bono and nonprofit advocacy, and criminal defense through court appointments.

They share the moments that pulled them toward service, the communities that shaped their work, and why these roles – across government, nonprofit, municipal, and access to justice spaces – remain essential to our profession.

The panel also shares insightful practical tips for how law students and new attorneys can begin their career in the public interest space (“Write to a local judge.” “Keep an open mind.”), highlighting how relational and network driven this work can be, and why that’s a strength: public service careers grow through connection, mentorship, and community.

Now available as a convenient podcast episode, this discussion is a reminder that public service careers are purpose‑driven, people‑centered, and deeply impactful!

🎧 You can listen to this episode at the link below or on any platform you access podcasts: https://tyla.org/resource/for-the-public/

#tyla #texasyounglawyers #forthepublic #publicservice #publicinterest #government #legalpodcast #careersthatserve #legalaid #nonprofit #probono #accesstojustice #federalprosecutor #cityattorney #criminaldefense

In the next episode of For the Public, we sit down with TYLA alums, Austin Stevenson, City Attorney for McAllen, TX and Courtney White, Senior City Attorney for Amarillo, TX. Austin and Courtney reflect on their paths into public service and the meaningful ways municipal practice allows lawyers to serve their communities every single day. 

From navigating the corporate‑generalist nature of city attorney work to advising on everything from contracts to public safety to economic development, they offer a candid look at what it means to be the legal backbone of a city. Their stories highlight why young lawyers should consider public service roles – where the work is meaningful, the impact is immediate, and the opportunities to grow are endless.

You can listen to this episode at the link below or any platform you access podcasts: https://tyla.org/resource/for-the-public/

#tyla #texasyounglawyers #forthepublic #publicservice #government #legalpodcast #cityattorney #municipallaw #texaslawyers #localgovernment #mcallen #amarillo

In the next episode of For the Public, we sit down with Anthony Franklyn, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. Anthony reflects on his path to becoming a federal prosecutor and the responsibility AUSAs carry in pursuing justice on behalf of the United States. From navigating complex federal cases to building trust with the communities he serves, Anthony offers an inside look at what it means to uphold the rule of law with integrity, fairness, and purpose. His story is a powerful reminder of the impact young lawyers can make when they choose careers centered on service and justice.

You can listen to this episode at the link below or wherever you access podcasts: https://tyla.org/resource/for-the-public/

#tyla #texasyounglawyers #forthepublic #publicservice #government #legalpodcast #federalprosecutor #AUSA  #SDTX  #DOJ #justice 

In this next episode of For the Public, we sit down with Davion White, Assistant General Counsel for the Lone Star College System, one of the largest and fastest‑growing community college systems in Texas. Davion shares his path into higher education law, the unique challenges and rewards of serving a 90,000‑student institution, and how public service attorneys help shape access to education across our state. His inspiring story highlights the impact young lawyers can make when they choose careers dedicated to strengthening their communities!

You can listen to this episode at the link below or any platform you can access podcasts: https://tyla.org/resource/for-the-public/

#tyla #texasyounglawyers #forthepublic #legalpodcast #publicservice #government #legalpodcast #highereducation #highered #lonestarcollege #lsc #communitycollege #publicuniversity

“My job when I come to work is to do the right thing… and see that justice is done.”

In this episode of For the Public, we sit down with Tara Avants, the 2025 Young Baylor Lawyer of the Year, whose career reflects a deep commitment to service, integrity, and community impact. Before law school, Tara studied psychology, a foundation she now uses every day to build trust with victims, understand trauma, and apply human‑behavior insights to real‑life situations.

A proud Baylor Law graduate, Tara has built a reputation for excellence in public service practice - combining sharp legal skill with a heart for helping others navigate some of life’s most challenging moments. In her role as a prosecutor, she also brings community partners together to help close gaps in the victim‑advocacy system, ensuring people receive the support they need at every stage of the process.

Tara shares the experiences that shaped her path, the mentors who opened doors, and the values that continue to guide her work today. Her story is a reminder that young lawyers can lead with compassion, elevate the profession, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they serve.

You can listen to this episode at the link below or wherever you listen to podcasts:: https://tyla.org/resource/for-the-public/

#tyla #forthepublic #publicservice #government #legalpodcast #texasprosecutors #prosecutorsoffice #victimadvocacy

“Tú vuela, vuela lo más alto que puedas.” Those were the words Judge Beckie Palomo’s mother repeated to her growing up -  a reminder to rise, to serve, and to lead with purpose.

In this episode of For the Public, we spotlight Judge Beckie Palomo, a first‑generation college and law graduate who has served on the bench since 2012 as the presiding judge of the 341st District Court in Webb County. Judge Palomo reflects on her journey to the judiciary - a path shaped by her faith, her parents’ example, and a deep belief in the power of service.

Her work extends far beyond the courtroom. Judge Palomo leads transformative community programs such as Color of Justice, Courts in Schools, the Veterans Treatment Program, and her annual Girl Power Conferences, reaching countless young people and opening doors to careers in law, leadership, and public service.

This conversation highlights what it means to rise from humble beginnings, honor the people who paved the way, and use the law as a tool to uplift the next generation!

You can listen to this episode at the link below or wherever you listen to podcasts: https://tyla.org/resource/for-the-public/

#tyla #forthepublic #publicservice #government #legalpodcast #texasjudiciary #firstgenlawyer #firstgen #courtsinschool #womeninlaw #latinasinlaw #lawtina

✨ Introducing For the Public: A Public Service Lawyers Podcast! ✨

 The Texas Young Lawyers Association proudly introduces For the Public, a new podcast created in support of 2025–2026 TYLA President Alyson Martinez’s flagship initiative.

This bar year, President Martinez launched For the Public – an effort dedicated to celebrating and elevating the work of public service and government attorneys across the State of Texas. As part of this initiative, the podcast features a series of conversations with attorneys from diverse public service backgrounds. Through these interviews, we highlight their career paths, the impact of their work, and the essential role public service plays in strengthening our profession and our communities.

In this mini-episode meet For the Public podcast hosts, Amber Holmes and Rebecca Lopez, who share the vision behind the series, walk listeners through the topics and stories the season will explore, and offer a preview of the young public service attorneys whose work strengthens communities across Texas.

You can listen to this episode at the link below or wherever you listen to podcasts: https://tyla.org/resource/for-the-public/

#tyla #forthepublic #publicservice #government #governmentjobs #legalpodcast