“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