Member Spotlight: Sam Denton

AUSTIN YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

AYLA: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your law practice.

Denton: I am a native Austinite, third-generation attorney, and former military intelligence officer and lawyer who did a tour in Iraq and missions in the Philippines and Japan. I spent the last three or so years serving as staff attorney for the 459th District Court and the Honorable Maya Guerra Gamble. I am currently proud to be an Associate Corporate Counsel at University Federal Credit Union. My wife and I have a set of four-year-old twins and a two-year-old (collectively, “rascals” or “rapscallions”), all who work to keep us busy and who take turns competing to be the cutest and most troublesome.

Sam Denton and his family.

AYLA: How long have you been involved in AYLA and what’s been your best AYLA experience so far?

Denton: I joined AYLA right after law school and have been an on-and-off member as I’ve taken different jobs and moved to different places. With respect to my best experience with AYLA, in 2017, I dragged a best friend to an AYLA event to do some networking and he met his future fiancée. AYLA brings good people together. (#MatchMadeInAYLA?)

Additionally, I know several of the current AYLA leaders, and they are some of my favorite people.

AYLA: What was your childhood dream job?

Denton: Astronaut, for sure. Oh, to slip “the surly bonds of earth, and dance the skies on laughtersilvered wings….”

AYLA: What’s your favorite moment of your career so far?

I’ve served the state of Texas, the judiciary and citizens of Travis County, the military, service members, retirees and veterans, and now UFCU and its members. I’ve served in a variety of ways and am proud of them all. I’m not sure I can isolate a favorite moment but am glad of the career I chose.

AYLA: What are some of the things you enjoy most about living in Austin?

Denton: I’m from here and have watched the place grow. Austin has always been an exceptional mixture of folks with a bent towards the outdoors, an active lifestyle, good food, great music, and art. I love that a city slogan is “Keep Austin Weird,” and that two popular pieces of local art stated, “Hi. how are you” and “I love you so much.”

AYLA: What’s your best piece of advice for fellow young attorneys?

Denton: Take the leap and get involved in lawyerly organizations. Take a position and contribute as much as you can. You’ll meet great people, earn the solemn pride that comes from service, and the relationships you build can pay future dividends. If you’re looking to get involved, the Austin Bar/ AYLA Leadership Academy (which I’m co-chairing this year) isn’t a bad place to start. AL