A PROFILE IN PROFESSIONALISM

Judge Martha Hill Jamison 164th Judicial District Court

Being a member of a profession means more than just having a job. Each of us is part of a community. Like it or not, we are inextricably intertwined. When one of us behaves nobly or courageously or brilliantly, it inures to the benefit of us all. Similarly, when one of us behaves dishonestly or foolishly, it reflects badly on us all.

We need to remind ourselves as lawyers to remain awestruck by the honor we have of participating in the most important moments of the lives of our clients. We shouldn’t lose the sense of wonder we had as young lawyers.   

When I was growing up, I was surrounded by the best lawyers in the State. Of course, my father, John Hill, was the best. Dad had big-city smarts and small-town values. He knew the difference between being a zealous advocate and a jerk. I miss him.

When Dad was Attorney General of Texas, he surrounded himself with young, ambitious lawyers with pure hearts and stars in their eyes. That Office had fun and made a difference in this State. We all should be so lucky.

What an honor and responsibility it is to be inextricably intertwined with my father and so many other great lawyers of his generation! Our responsibility is to emulate their honesty, their good judgment, their integrity and their honor. And, while we are at it, let’s have fun and make a difference.

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