Dallas

“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 am pleased to endorse Raymond L. Thomas, Jr., of McAllen, Texas, for President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas in the upcoming 2026 election.

Ray Thomas brings to this role a distinguished record of professional excellence, leadership, and dedicated service to both the legal profession and the broader community. With more than three decades of active practice as a board-certified civil trial lawyer admitted since 1988, Ray has demonstrated both deep legal knowledge and a commitment to justice across the full span of his career.

His peers have consistently recognized his skill and integrity — evidenced by his selection to Super Lawyers for nearly two decades, and his sustained contributions as a speaker, educator, and trusted counselor within the profession.

Importantly, Ray’s leadership extends beyond the courtroom. He has served in numerous voluntary roles within the State Bar structure, including on key committees and commissions that shape how our profession serves both its members and the public. His experience managing organizational responsibilities and building consensus among diverse stakeholders uniquely qualifies him to lead the Bar at a time when it must balance tradition with thoughtful evolution.

Ray is among the leaders forming a Foundation Endowment to support civics education primary and secondary schools, and professional development in the legal community through his efforts and philanthropy in the ABOTA Foundation.

Ray’s deep roots in South Texas — combined with a lifetime of service to both clients and community — reflect the values of professionalism, ethics, and inclusion that define the best of our bar. As a nominee for State Bar president-elect, he offers a vision grounded in experience, respect for tradition, and a forward-looking commitment to the profession.

For these reasons, I enthusiastically support Raymond L. Thomas for President of the State Bar of Texas and urge my fellow members to cast their votes for a leader who will advance our profession with integrity and purpose.”

“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!”

“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.”

“I support my friend Ray for Texas State Bar President. Ray is a great lawyer and wonderful human being. And he has a heck of a wagyu beef ranch. What more can you ask for in a President?”

“Ray Thomas has my full support for State Bar President-Elect. He is an exceptional trial lawyer and an even better mentor and teacher. I learned more in a short time at the ABOTA Trial Academy in Chicago than I ever thought possible, and much of that was because of Ray’s clarity, patience, and command of the craft. He represents Texas hospitality at its finest by welcoming, generous with his knowledge, and deeply committed to elevating the profession. Texas lawyers would be well served by his leadership.”

“We are proud to offer our wholehearted endorsement of Ray Thomas for President of the State Bar of Texas.

We both had the privilege of getting to know Ray while attending the ABOTA Trial College in Chicago, hosted by the American Board of Trial Advocates. Ray served as one of the instructors, and from the outset it was clear that he embodies the highest standards of professionalism, preparation, and passion for trial advocacy.

Throughout the program, Ray was an invaluable source of knowledge, mentorship, and practical courtroom experience. He invested meaningful time in developing young lawyers, generously sharing both his technical expertise and his perspective on professionalism and service. His commitment to excellence in the courtroom is matched by his dedication to strengthening the legal profession as a whole.

We have no doubt that Ray will bring the same passion, discipline, and integrity that he demonstrates in the courtroom to his leadership of the State Bar of Texas. He understands the responsibility that comes with leadership and has the experience, temperament, and vision necessary to serve lawyers across our state effectively.”

“Ray Thomas has always been a community leader and mentor, whether it was among Texas attorneys, his church, or other non profit organizations that he’s served. Servant leadership doesn’t define what Ray does – it defines who he is. I’ve know Ray Thomas for over 13 years, since I was a newly licensed attorney, and he’s the ideal candidate we need leading the State Bar of Texas. He has a legacy of litigation experience, the patience and professionalism to successfully mediate, and the humble passion to help others.”