James Leahy, with Greenberg Traurig.

When Jim Leahy graduated from the University of Texas Law School in 1971, he went directly to the United States Marines Corps, where he served as a Prosecutor and Military Judge before returning to Houston to begin his career with Reynolds, Allen, Cook. In the 47 years since, he has left an indelible impression on the Texas legal community as a successful trial lawyer. Leahy currently serves as Chair of Greenberg Traurig's energy litigation practice.

The legal profession is constantly evolving and that evolution only seems to have accelerated in recent years. What's the biggest change you've seen in the profession during your career? 

You are going to hear many people mention technology. I believe one of the most important “developments” in the legal profession is our thirst for diversity and inclusion. While we are not done yet, or where we need to be, we have come such a long way and I look forward to an ever-increased participation with diverse lawyers from all walks of life. Diversity of cultures, ethnicities, gender, geography, experience, and so on, allows us to tackle legal issues for clients from varied perspectives and provide a greater level of service to clients with increasingly global operations and matters.

What is one thing about the profession that has remained un-changed over the years?

Results—at the end of the day that still matters.

What is one piece of advice you would give someone entering into the profession that you wish you had as a young lawyer?

Love what you do—the clients will notice the difference. I did not intend to go to law school. My last semester I was hanging with my buddies one night and one of them mentioned he was going to go to law school and would soon be taking the LSAT. I had never thought of law school let alone even knew what the LSAT was. On a whim I decided to take it, I didn't even have time to finish all the questions. To my surprise, I received a letter stating that due to my score, I had automatically been accepted to the University of Texas School of Law. This was during the Vietnam War era so instead I decided to join the Marines. The Marines came back and said they had a deal for me. They wanted me to go to law school and then serve in the military as a JAG officer and that is what I did. After my tour, I was heading back home to Texas and not sure where I would work. A friend introduced me to a retired fellow Marine by the name of Joe Reynolds and his law partner Grant Cook. Both were named partners at a local firm here in Houston by the name of Reynolds, White, Allen & Cook. That was the start of my legal profession and I have loved the journey along the way.