Briefing Attorney to Hon. Filemon B. Vela, U.S. District Judge Southern District of Texas, 1985-1987. Named Texas Super Lawyer, 2006, 2007 and 2008, Texas Monthly Magazine. Recipient, Texas Center Professionalism Award presented by: The Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism and the Hidalgo County Bar Association, May 2004; American Board of Trial Advocates, Associate Member, 2005 —; ABOTA Rio Grande Valley Chapter (Vice President, 2008; President, 2009); Member of the Board, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2005-present; Director, Hidalgo County Bar Association, 2004 - 2006; Texas Supreme Court Committee on Revision to Code of Judicial Conduct, 2004; State Bar of Texas Court Rules Committee, 2001 - 2004; Chairperson for District 12B Grievance Committee, State Bar of Texas, 2002 - 2003; Chair Panel 12B 3 Grievance Committee, State Bar of Texas, 1999 - 2002; Panel Member District 12B Grievance Committee, State Bar of Texas, 1998-2003; 40 Hour Basic Mediation Course, Dispute Resolution Center, Austin, Texas, August 2008.