4 minute read
Practicing Humanity at Work and in the Community
MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
Meet Austin Bar Member Robert Aaron Mueller
Advertisement
BY ROBERT AARON MUELLER
Meet Robert Aaron Mueller. He is a criminal defense attorney who is active in local politics. The married father of three is the former president of the West Austin Democrats and Central Austin Democrats. Mueller is called “Aaron” by his family and friends. He is a devoted Longhorn football fan and regularly attends games.
I came to Texas for law school and never left! I was raised in St. Louis, Mo., where both of my parents were teachers. I am the older of two boys. Once I got to Texas, I fell in love with Austin and my wife, Judge Brandy Mueller. Together we have three active teenage boys who keep us on our toes. So, coming to Texas was definitely the best decision I’ve ever made. Once I graduated from law school, I began clerking for District Judge Carlton Spears in San Antonio, Texas. A brief stint in the antitrust division at the Texas Attorney General’s office followed. Later, I found my way to a criminal defense practice under Ned Cecil Granger here in Austin. Granger was widely known in Austin in the ’70s and ’80s as a paternal figure and trailblazer in county government with a knack for bringing people of all spectrums of the community together. He was the Travis County Attorney until 1976, after which he started a law practice. The Ned Granger Building on 11th Street, which houses the County Attorney’s office, was named in his honor after he passed away in 2003. Practicing under Granger cemented my future. I continue operating Granger and Mueller, PC, to this day. Also, I have enjoyed serving in my community with so many socially conscious individuals. Austin has given me so many reasons to be thankful. As the saying goes, I may not be a Texan, but I got here as fast as I could!
AUSTIN BAR: What was your idea of a “dream job” growing up—the profession you pictured for yourself?
Believe it or not...comedian. There is challenge and importance in finding humor in our daily lives, bringing people together, and making people laugh. Being a lawyer isn’t necessarily a far cry from that. It’s about making connections with one another and knowing your audience. Representing our fellow man as a lawyer is a high calling. It is one of few careers that truly involves humanity. At its core, it involves communication and finding what resonates with one another. I find this is often done best with humility and humor.
AUSTIN BAR: Tell us about your current position and how long you’ve held it.
I currently operate Granger and Mueller, P.C. It was formed nearly 30 years ago in 1993 as a criminal defense practice that handles local and state cases throughout Travis County. Making human connections, developing longtime relationships, and solving problems for people are what makes the practice law not only rewarding, but fun.
AUSTIN BAR: Tell us a hobby you often engage in.
Move over Bobby Flay! I am an excellent cook, at least wife and the boys think so. I enjoy cooking authentic and exotic recipes from around the world. On a good day, you’ll find me whipping something up and enjoying it outside by the pool or around the fire pit with family and friends.
AUSTIN BAR: Name your favorite television legal drama or film and why?
The British television series Rumpole of the Bailey, in which a London barrister defends a broad range of clients, often the underdogs. The vintage film And Justice for All, starring Al Pacino, is also a favorite. Pacino plays an attorney with integrity working to help his fellow man. He says a line that many attorneys might’ve wished they could say at least once in their career: “I’m out of order? You’re out of order, this whole place is out of order!”
I can dream, right? If it ever happens, I might have some explaining to do at home! AL
