Editor’s Note: In this blog series, we are getting to know the members of the Texas Young Lawyers Association Board of Directors. TYLA, commonly called the “public service arm” of the State Bar of Texas, works to facilitate the administration of justice, foster respect for the law, and advance the role of the legal profession in serving the public. All TYLA programs are accomplished through the volunteer efforts of its board and committee members, with the cooperation of local affiliate young lawyers associations. Learn more at tyla.org.
Name: Nick Guinn
Firm: Gunn, Lee & Cave, P.C.
Area of Law You Practice: Intellectual Property; Intellectual Property Litigation
Position Held in TYLA: ABA YLD District 25 Representative
How did you get involved in bar service? I was active in the Student Bar Association during law school. Friends and mentors encouraged me to join other groups, such as the San Antonio Young Lawyers Association and TYLA. Now I am hooked. Many of my closest friends are fellow bar members. I find bar service fun and rewarding. I put a lot of time and effort into it, but I get more out.
What is your favorite TYLA project and why? Bicycle Safety: Safety Tips for Cyclists (See https://tyla.org/resource/bicycle-safety/.) I enjoy cycling, and I think everyone should wear a helmet when they hop on the saddle. I told then-TYLA President, Barrett Thomas, I wanted to do a project that educated the public on this topic. Barrett let me run with this project. My good friend, fellow Parrott Head and TYLA Chair-elect, Sara Giddings, and I put together a fun project. I enjoyed dressing up for the kids in one of my cycling jerseys and sharing my passion for bicycles with kids at several local elementary schools.
What tips can you give to other attorneys to manage stress?
Take time for yourself. I cannot be the best version of myself if I am running on fumes. Personally, I like to exercise by cycling, swimming, and running. When I exercise, I stop thinking about stressors and focus on my health or other things I want to think about.
What is a piece of advice you would give new lawyers or law students?
Do what you love and work hard at it. It is a lot easier to work hard and to do your best when you are passionate about what it is that you are doing.
What do you do in your spare time?
I like to spend time with my wife, Kristen. We enjoy cycling, swimming, running, and exploring.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I love reef keeping and learning about marine life. In furtherance of this passion, I became open water certified last year for a recent dive trip on the Great Barrier Reef.
Anything else you wish to share?
Practicing law is fun when you make it fun and treat others well. Why not make it fun?
