Houston

“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.”

“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 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.”

“‘Empowering advocates, promoting justice, and preserving the rule of law.’  That is the mission statement of the Litigation Section of the SBOT, but it also describes the priorities of Ray Thomas, who I endorse without reservation to lead the SBOT as President.  Since I began practicing law in 2003, I have gotten to know a number of fine lawyers who have served as state bar leaders, including my partners David J. Beck and Alistair Dawson.  Soon after I met Ray on the leadership Council of the Litigation Section, it became clear that Ray shares the same qualities of those leaders: a deep commitment to our profession, an intense work ethic, and a servant’s heart.  He understands both the challenges facing Texas lawyers today and the responsibility the Bar has to support its members while serving the public with excellence.”

“My good friend Ray Thomas is a candidate for President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas.  I am sure that many of you know Ray. He is an outstanding trial lawyer and mediator from McAllen, Texas. Ray and I have been in fox holes together. You see the true measure of a man when the pressure is intense, and the chips are on the table.  I can attest that Ray is not only an excellent trial lawyer, but he is an outstanding human being. He is honorable, compassionate, and empathetic. He will make an outstanding President-Elect.”

“I am honored to endorse Ray Thomas for President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas—not merely as a colleague, but as a friend I’ve known and observed for over thirty years.

Ray is that rare combination: a lawyer’s lawyer and a man of genuine character. I’ve had the privilege of closely watching him lead in our South Texas community, practice law with integrity, and navigate the complexities of our profession with both skill and grace. These aren’t observations from a distance—we’ve prayed together, played together, laughed and cried together, and yes, practiced law together. I asked him to stand as my best man because I knew the measure of the man.

What sets Ray apart is substance. Over three decades, I’ve seen him demonstrate the kind of steady leadership our profession needs—rooted in principle, guided by his faith and devotion to service, and marked by an unwavering commitment to the law and those it serves. He understands what it means to be a lawyer in Texas because he’s lived it in the trenches, in the courtroom, and in the community.

From my experience serving on the Board of Directors of the State Bar of Texas, I also know the State Bar needs a President who will lead with both competence and conviction. Ray Thomas is that person.

I am proud to offer Ray my highest personal and professional endorsement. I am blessed to call him my friend, and I am confident he will serve the State Bar of Texas with distinction.”

“I am proud to offer my strongest endorsement of Ray Thomas for President of the State Bar of Texas.

My experience with Ray during the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Trial Academy training program profoundly shaped my development as a trial lawyer. As my mentor, Ray did far more than teach courtroom technique — he invested in my growth as a professional. He challenged me to think creatively about presenting a case to a jury, to move beyond reciting facts, and to craft a compelling story that resonates on a human level. He demonstrated that great advocacy is equal parts preparation, strategy, authenticity, and courage.

What distinguishes Ray most is his unwavering commitment to developing other lawyers. Ray understands that the strength of our profession depends on investing in the next generation. He models professionalism, preparation, creativity, and integrity, and he actively works to cultivate those qualities in others. His leadership is grounded in service — service to clients, to the courts, and to fellow lawyers seeking to improve their craft.

As President, Ray will prioritize professional development, meaningful mentorship, and support for lawyers at every stage of practice. He recognizes that when we elevate one another, we elevate the entire Bar.

I wholeheartedly support Ray Thomas for President and encourage my colleagues to do the same. Our profession will be stronger under his leadership.”

“I’ve known Ray Thomas for more than 10 years, and I can say without hesitation that he would be an outstanding President of the State Bar of Texas. Ray is a true servant leader—positive, hardworking, intentional, and deeply committed to serving others. I’ve worked with him on the Litigation Council of the Litigation Section, where he now serves as Chair, and I’ve seen firsthand how generously he gives his time and energy. He is an excellent trial lawyer, a leader who brings people together, and someone who serves with humility and grace.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to support him.“