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