4 minute read
Looking Ahead
REFLEXIÓNES
By Nick Guinn, San Antonio Bar Association President-elect
As I prepare to serve as your SABA President, I’m reminded daily of why I fell in love with this bar association. Just recently, I was working with fellow board members to review a software development agreement—routine in my intellectual property (IP) practice— when someone noted how unfamiliar those contracts are to most lawyers. That moment perfectly illustrated what I value most about SABA: the breadth of perspectives and experience that our members bring to the table. I find myself learning from others whose experiences differ from mine.
Growing up in San Antonio—I can see my high school from my office window—I had an early view into the legal world. Around our dinner table, I listened as my parents and their friends, many of whom were attorneys from various fields, debated cases and shared insights. Criminal defense lawyers, family attorneys, and government lawyers each offered a unique perspective. Those conversations shaped how I see the law and taught me a vital lesson: the best solutions come when we embrace diverse viewpoints, not when we assume we have all the answers.
That approach drives how I lead. Whether it’s a SABA initiative or a simple question about how to best support our members, I make it a point to reach out to colleagues whose practices differ significantly from mine. Better yet, I invite them to get involved. Our bar is strongest when everyone contributes.
It’s a tremendous honor to follow in the footsteps of more than one hundred SABA presidents. As possibly the youngest since 1917, when 22-year-old Maury Maverick, Sr. led the Bar, I’m deeply aware of both the history I’m inheriting and the future we must shape. I’m also proud to be the first IP lawyer to hold this office. We must honor our legacy, yes, but we also need to evolve.
One key area for growth is how we articulate and deliver value to our members. In the past, joining SABA was often driven by tradition or obligation. Today’s lawyers, especially younger ones, want more. They need to know what’s in it for them. And frankly, we haven’t always made the answer clear.
That’s why I’m launching SABA Learning Labs: practical educational sessions focused on topics lawyers use every day but don’t often find in traditional CLEs. We’ll explore using AI in practice effectively, purchasing an office building, winding down a practice, and more. These aren’t academic exercises; they’re hands-on, actionable, and designed to help lawyers run their businesses and serve their clients more effectively.
We also have a major opportunity on the horizon. In February 2026, the American Bar Association’s Midyear Meeting will be held in San Antonio. It’s a chance to showcase our vibrant legal community to lawyers from across the country. The spotlight will be on us—and I’m confident we’ll shine.
But more than events or programs, what excites me most is strengthening the relationships that make SABA feel like home. My career has been shaped by the people I’ve met through this organization—from referrals to mentors to lifelong friends. I’ve grown both as a lawyer and as a leader here. And I’ve seen the real difference this bar makes, not only for individual attorneys but for our broader community.
In my family, the expectation was clear: Don’t wait for “someone else” to fix the problem. Be the solution. My grandparents lived it. My parents lived it. And now it’s my turn. Leadership isn’t a title, it’s a responsibility. And it doesn’t end with your term. During a recent breakfast with Congressman Charlie Gonzalez (1989–1990 SABA president), I witnessed how past presidents continue serving long after their terms end.
That’s the spirit I hope to continue. By the end of my term, I want fewer lawyers asking, “Why should I join SABA?” or “What’s in it for me?” The answers should be obvious—because the value we offer will be visible, accessible, and impactful.
Of course, I can’t do this alone. Our board is diverse, passionate, and engaged, but we need your voice too. Join a committee. Raise your hand. Even more importantly, tell us what you need. We are listening.
Let’s work together to shape the next 100 years of SABA’s legacy. Let’s make it smarter, stronger, and even more inclusive.
I look forward to serving as your president and working alongside you to build something extraordinary.
