The More You Know

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Austin Bar Board Member Ciara Nelson Parks

BY CIARA NELSON PARKS

I pressed on because I heard a a quote that inspired me to persevere: “Be the change that you want to see in the world.” I did not just want to talk about change. I knew as a lawyer I could make change.”

Meet Ciara Nelson Parks. She is the current president of the Austin Black Lawyers Association and general counsel for the Texas Board of Law Examiners.

The oldest of four children, I was born and raised in San Diego, California. My family eventually moved to Cincinnati, Ohio when I was in high school. I graduated third in my class from Aiken High School. High school is where I began my service to the community. I graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in business. While in college, I joined several organizations and became president of many of them. I enjoyed being able to use my organizational and visionary skills to advance the organizations.

College was challenging for me because I was breaking barriers in my family. By being the first person to go to college, I didn’t have examples in my family. I did have their support and encouragement because they all wanted me to excel. I wanted to excel because I did not see many people who looked like me, an African American woman. Law school was even harder. But I pressed on because I heard a quote that inspired me to persevere: “Be the change that you want to see in the world.” I did not just want to talk about change. I knew as a lawyer I could make change. My law school journey was no different than other areas of my life. I got involved in many activities while in law school. I joined moot court and mock trial, where I learned skills to assist me in my passion to become a litigator. And ultimately, I graduated from Thomas Cooley Law School—knowing that I could make a positive change in the world as a lawyer.

AUSTIN BAR: What is your current job, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I am currently the general counsel for the Texas Board of Law Examiners. I love that I can merge my legal skill with my volunteerism. Coordination of the bar exam is planned and executed like an event: People apply for the exam and then we administer it. So my work comes full circle.

AUSTIN BAR: When you were younger, what was your idea of a “dream job”?

I knew after law school that I would become a prosecutor. I always had a desire to work in public service. I never had a desire to be in private practice. I wanted to help people. I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless and hope for the hopeless. Cooley had a slogan as well, “Be a minister of justice.” I believe that working in the legal profession is a calling of service to our community. I was so excited when I began my career as a prosecutor in Dayton, Ohio. I learned so much from my colleagues and taught younger prosecutors many things as well. I worked hard not only to keep the streets of Dayton safe but also to give second chances to those who found themselves in the criminal justice system. Coming up as an attorney, I had many mentors along the way, and I believed it was important to give back. I

My favorite hobby is serving! I get extremely excited about helping those in need in my community. I am incredibly involved in the Austin legal community and my church community. I serve as president of the Austin Black Lawyers Association, director of the Austin Young Lawyers Association, member of the Travis County Women Lawyers’ Association, and member of the State Bar of Texas District 9 Grievance Committee. I also serve as the director of the Stonehill Squires Adventurers Club where I work with children ages four to nine. I get to serve my church with my husband and children at my side. I love teaching my children how to be a servant leader just as I am.

AUSTIN BAR: Choose your favorite legal drama from television and tell us why: Law & Order, Night Court, LA Law, or Perry Mason.

I love the original Law & Order because it so well depicted my world as a former prosecutor! I watched the show all through college and law school. It was exciting to watch knowing that one day I would be the prosecutor! AL

Photo Caption: Parks married her college sweetheart, Cliffton Parks. Together they have three children: Chaya (9), Ceana (6), and Cliffton Jr. (4).