The State Bar of Texas needs a bold leader , who cares about the rule of law and protects the lawyers and judges who defend it. Because he is that leader, I am excited to support Ray Thomas for President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas.

When Ray was the TYLA president, I had the good fortune to be Chair of the SBOT Board of Directors. We learned that appointed criminal defense lawyers were not being adequately compensated for their representation of accused citizens who could not afford a defense. We convinced the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals to adopt orders that directed trial and commissioners’ courts to pay increased fees to insure the representation the Constitution requires. Ray fought that fight for Texas lawyers and I was proud to be part of it.

Ray is a real lawyer with an impressive track record. When a wrong needs to righted, I call Ray; when I need wise advice, I call Ray; and when a lawyer needs help, I call Ray. Please join me in supporting Ray Thomas for President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas.

“Ray Thomas is the leader the State Bar of Texas needs.
 
I had the privilege of working side by side on a case with Ray—experiencing firsthand his skilled advocacy in the courtroom and his wise counsel in the office. We became fast friends, which is easy to do with Ray because he is authentic and deeply connects with people. Ray listens. He really listens. He is a team builder and a collaborator. What could be better for the Bar?
 
I knew of Ray’s dedication to the legal community and of his wide-ranging practice, but I have since learned that his servant leadership spans much further. And I have had the privilege of getting to know Ray’s family, another great tribute to the man Ray is.
 
I am grateful that Ray is willing to share his endless energy, his work ethic, his strategic thinking, and his giant heart with the State Bar of Texas.”

“Ray Thomas is one of the greatest lawyer leaders I have known in more than 3 decades of practice.  Since I met him in the late 90s when he was leading the Texas Young Lawyers, I was drawn by Ray’s passion for helping others, his heart, his work ethic, and the way he truly makes others feel good about themselves and what they are doing.  I have personally witnesses his empathy and understanding which have been valuable assets to the mental well-being of those in our profession and for the inclusion of lawyers of every race, gender, economic status, and practice area.  Ray has been there with me and for me in the courtroom, and in the darkest of times in my personal and professional life.  He is an extraordinary trial lawyer, and an even better person.  There is no one in our profession that I would rather have in my foxhole than Ray Thomas, or that I would rather lead the State Bar of Texas.”

“I enthusiastically support Ray Thomas’s candidacy for President of the State Bar of Texas from a perspective that carries particular weight: I have been adverse to him in high-stakes litigation. In those cases, he proved to be a determined advocate for his clients while consistently remaining professional, fair, and respectful to his opponents. That balance is increasingly rare in contested litigation, where civility is often lost in the pursuit of outcome. Mr. Thomas exemplifies the leadership, judgment, and professionalism the State Bar of Texas needs in its President.”

“I have known Ray on both a professional and personal level for over a decade. He is a man of deep faith and integrity. Ray’s honesty and professional demeanor are above reproach. Moreso, his courtroom trial skills are among the best! He has my full support for President Elect of the State Bar of Texas.“

“I’ve had the privilege and good fortune of knowing Ray for many years, both professionally and personally, through Texas Bar and ABOTA organizations.  I hereby rise as a Texas lawyer to whole-heartedly endorse Ray for President-Elect of the State Bar.  He is a proven leader with character, commitment, and courage; a servant of God, his fellow man and colleagues, and those seeking justice.“

“I have known and worked with Ray for decades and can attest to his leadership skills, unbridled dedication, and work ethic as it pertains to improving the practice of law for Texas attorneys.  Ray’s focus on what is important for Texas attorneys and the clients we represent will serve the Texas State Bar well with him at the helm.  Ray is without question deserving of your support.”

“I am proud to support Ray Thomas for President of the State Bar of Texas. I currently serve under his leadership as Council for the Litigation Section of the State Bar where I have seen firsthand his unwavering dedication to the legal profession and his commitment to meaningful service, especially to those who are too often overlooked. Ray is a proven leader with the experience, integrity, and work ethic necessary to lead our Bar effectively. His ability to turn vision into action is evident in his creation of a Trial Academy for new lawyers in a record amount of time, providing critical training and mentorship to the next generation of trial lawyers. I am confident Ray will be a president for all members of the State Bar because he is supportive, mission-driven, and focused on strengthening our profession.”

“Actions speak louder than words. In the 30-plus years I’ve worked with Ray, his actions have demonstrated a deep commitment to the legal profession and our solemn responsibilities as lawyers. His actions go well beyond representing his clients with integrity and professionalism. He has been actively involved in bettering the profession through service, education, and working to improve the system to help lawyers and their clients. There is no better friend to our profession than Ray Thomas.”

“I have known Ray Thomas for more than a decade.  He in my estimation is a “lawyer’s lawyer.”  And by that I mean he is the guy I want mentoring me.  He is the lawyer I use as my “North Star.”  If I am looking to do something well, something a client needs to be done, I am going to Ray for suggestions!.  I served with Ray in our Grievance Governance system for years.  I found him to be insightful, creative and dogged in his determination to make disciplining our own fair and firm.  As our State Bar President Ray will give us his all – that’s why I am voting for Ray as our next State Bar President-Elect.”

“Ray is a servant-leader who knows what today’s State Bar of Texas needs. Serving with Ray on the Litigation Section Council, I’ve seen first-hand how Ray inspires others around them to do their best work – more than they thought they were capable of. The first and last thing on his mind is what he can do to improve the lives and practices of Texas Lawyers. I enthusiastically endorse Ray!”

“When the State Bar of Texas announced Ray Thomas’ candidacy for President Elect, I was ecstatic! Ray is the perfect candidate to lead our noble profession because character counts. Ray is a true “lawyer’s lawyer” as he is on the front lines of effective trial and appellate advocacy. He devotes a significant amount of time and effort working in his local community yet finds time to serve as a mentor for young lawyers across the state. I have witnessed Ray’s leadership first-hand as Chair of the State Bar Litigation Council and he understands the issues we face as a profession and how to get things done. I especially appreciate Ray’s thoughtful leadership as he seeks out new ideas and different perspectives, weighs the alternatives, considers possible outcomes and develops reasonable positions. He is approachable, engaged, and genuinely committed to leading others well. Please join me in voting for Ray Thomas for President Elect of the State Bar of Texas this Spring.”

“Ray Thomas has been a highly respected member of the legal community for more than three decades. He is widely regarded as an exceptional trial advocate who represents his clients with skill, integrity, and unwavering dedication. Beyond his courtroom excellence, Ray is distinguished by his leadership, professionalism, and tireless commitment to service—both within the legal profession and in the broader community. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly endorse and support Ray Thomas in his candidacy for President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas.”

“Ray Thomas is an experienced, committed and effective bar leader. I saw firsthand his leadership in action on the board of the Texas Young Lawyers Association, and in the local bar and state bar levels. He is also an accomplished and skilled trial lawyer, respected by the bench and the bar. He cares deeply about the legal profession, about giving back to educate the next generation of lawyers, and about the fair administration of justice for all. Ray will be a great President of the State Bar of Texas.”

“Ray Thomas is a listener and a doer, the perfect combination for making a great SBOT President. He is a proven leader, time and time again, in every station of life – family, community, and the SBOT. I am so happy to finally have the opportunity to endorse, support, and vote Ray Thomas for SBOT President!”

“When Ray has been my opposition I have always known that I am up against a great trial lawyer who embodies the highest trial attributes and combines them with the highest ethics. When I have been fortunate enough to have Ray on my team, I have learned that Ray is not only a great leader but a great listener who works well with his team on all fronts.

In short, Ray is the consummate trial lawyer; but my real honor in knowing Ray is that I can call Ray my friend. He has always been humble in his victories but more importantly, he has been humble with his opposition knowing how it feels when inevitably one is not always victorious.

I cannot think of a better trial lawyer, better communicator, or person who can lead our State Bar and I whole heartedly endorse Ray Thomas for State Bar President.”

“Ray is dedicated to his clients and the bar. I have worked with him in the Litigation Section leadership for years, and I am impressed with his loyalty to the bar and his unwavering focus on ethics and the rule of law. Ray would be a great leader for the State Bar of Texas.”

“Ray has been such a dedicated leader of the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas – he worked with our local Rio Grande Valley Chapter of ABOTA (the American Board of Trial Advocates) to put on an incredibly innovative Trial Academy that was invaluable to young lawyers still trying to get experience. I expect Ray will put that same kind of creative thinking and hard work into being President of the State Bar of Texas. He has my support.”

“I have known Ray Thomas for over ten years, and I can say without hesitation that he is a man of integrity and one of the hardest-working, most dedicated lawyers I know. Ray has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the rule of law, professionalism, service, and the ethical practice of law. His experience, judgment, and steady leadership make him exceptionally well-suited to serve as President of the State Bar of Texas. Ray listens to stakeholders while also having a vision to lead. I am proud to support Ray Thomas for this important role.”

“I am a member of the Texas State Bar’s Litigation Section and have had the pleasure of serving on the Ligation Council which is chaired by Ray. I did not know Ray prior to serving on the Council but have found him to be the consummate lawyer. He is genuine and incredibly knowledgeable about almost all things related to being a great lawyer let alone an outstanding litigator. His ability to analyze issues in the litigation realm is very impressive and I believe that trait alone qualifies him to lead the Bar into the future. He is an excellent candidate for State Bar President and relates to lawyers a people first and is a great listener. I fully endorse Ray Thomas as the next Texas State Bar President.”

“Ray Thomas is a leader. He has served as a Director of the State Bar of Texas, as President of the Texas Young Lawyers Association, and as a Commissioner of the Texas Access to Justice Commission. He currently serves as Chair of the State Bar of Texas Litigation Section and its governing body, the Litigation Council. Ray is also a well-recognized trial lawyer, having been selected as a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers and as an Advocate and Senior Life Fellow of the American Board of Tral Advocates. In short, Ray would be a great President of the State Bar of Texas.”

“I have known Ray since I was in law school when he began extolling the virtues State Bar participation. He took it a step further, introducing me to his network of bar leaders before I was even a member of the bar. Since then, I have worked on cases with Ray. Simply put, Ray represents the very best of our profession in terms of ability and, I believe more importantly, service. He will be an outstanding President of the State Bar of Texas.”

“I’ve known Ray Thomas for nearly 30 years, since our days on the Texas Young Lawyers Association Board. Ray is a proven leader and a true consensus builder—respected across the board. I’ve worked with him on cases and know him to be an outstanding advocate and an even better person. He’ll serve Texas lawyers exceptionally well as State Bar president.“

“I first met Ray when we sparred at the courthouse and came to know then, some thirty years ago, that he is an attorney deserving of respect and admiration. Ray’s work ethic and professionalism is legendary. Ray could have authored the Texas Lawyer’s Creed since he exemplifies it daily. He has a great love of the Lord and his Faith has made him what he is today. I endorse Ray without reservation and will eagerly cast my vote for him.”

“I believe the lawyers of the State Bar of Texas are the most hardworking, thoughtful, and fearless in the nation. The President of the State Bar of Texas must therefore possess the leadership skills to match. Ray Thomas is not only a renowned trial lawyer with thirty years of experience, but has also dedicated his professional and personal life to service.  He leads with humility, clarity, vision and an unwavering commitment to do what is right. He’s never met a stranger and thus I believe he will move the State Bar forward through collaboration, with integrity and unwavering commitment. I am so proud to call him my friend and colleague!”

“I have had the privilege to know Ray as a friend and colleague for more than 25 years.  He’s as good as they come. He is a true servant and exactly the leader the State Bar of Texas deserves.  I have witnessed his impeccable integrity, work ethic, intelligence, and compassion in all facets of our profession.  There is no doubt that Ray will work hard on behalf of all Texas attorneys, the public and our State Bar. I am proud to support and emphatically endorse Ray Thomas for State Bar President-Elect.”

“I have known Ray for over 30 years and have had the privilege of working alongside him on numerous cases.  He is an outstanding attorney, formed with a rare combination of professionalism, integrity , and can-do spirit.  Ray’s faith and his family are his true north.  Yet, he consistently finds the time and energy to give back through extensive involvement in State Bar Activities.  He is a true leader in every sense of the word.  I strongly recommend Ray Thomas for the position of Texas State Bar President.”

“We are proud to support Ray Thomas for President of the State Bar of Texas. Ray has long demonstrated professionalism, a respect for the Rule of Law, and a deep commitment to serving both the legal profession and the public, which we believe make him well qualified to lead at this important time. We believe he will serve the State Bar.”

“I have known Ray Thomas since we served together on the Texas Young Lawyers Association Board of Directors when he was President. Over the years, he has continued to be a tremendous Bar leader, and, more importantly, an all-around great person! I whole-heartedly support Ray as President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas.”

“I have known Ray Thomas for almost thirty years, both personally and professionally, and I can say without hesitation that he is exceptionally well suited to serve as PresidentElect of the State Bar of Texas. I had the privilege of serving as Chair of the Board when Ray was President of the Texas Young Lawyers Association from 1999 to 2000, and even then, he stood out for his steady leadership, sound judgment, and genuine respect for the profession. He listened carefully, brought people together, and approached every issue with thoughtfulness and integrity.

The issues that matter most to Texas lawyers today are the same issues Ray has been committed to throughout his career – professionalism, access to justice, and a strong, effective State Bar. He understands the concerns and perspectives across the full spectrum of our profession, and his service as a State Bar Director, President of TYLA, Commissioner on the Texas Access to Justice Commission, and Chair of the Litigation Section of the State Bar gives him the experience and credibility to lead with balance and fairness.

I am proud to support Ray Thomas as our next PresidentElect of the State Bar of Texas.”