AYLA Member Spotlight: Tycha Kimbrough

Tycha Kimbrough

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

Kimbrough: I am a solo practitioner at Kimbrough Legal, which is a compassionate and dedicated Texas criminal defense and family law firm that cares deeply about the Austin community. I obtained my Juris Doctor degree and professional certificates in Criminal Law and Family Law from Baylor Law School, where I also was designated as a Public Interest Fellow for completing over 225 hours of pro bono work during law school. I tenaciously work to serve my community. Some of my service and pro bono work includes leading voter education and registration drives, advocating for marginalized individuals, serving as a mentor, and volunteering with numerous legal organizations to ensure everyone has access to justice.

AYLA: Why is conducting volunteer legal work important?

Kimbrough: Providing volunteer legal work is important because not only are attorneys able to serve low- and modest-income communities through volunteer work, but it also allows attorneys to gain broader perspectives, practice law in areas that we truly love, and it makes our hearts smile knowing that we are using our knowledge and skills to help someone.

Every day, I consider it a blessing to be a lawyer, especially considering that I am a first-generation college and law school graduate.

At a young age, my grandmother, a civil rights activist, instilled in me the value of serving as a voice for the voiceless. Consequently, I have always been passionate about being intentional with allocating time to serve others. Every day, I consider it a blessing to be a lawyer, especially considering that I am a first-generation college and law school graduate. I truly believe “to whom much is given, much will be required.” Luke 12:48.

AYLA: Any advice for a fellow attorney who does not feel qualified to give volunteer legal advice outside their specialty area?

Kimbrough: If an attorney is hesitant to volunteer because the legal advice she is providing is outside of her specialty area, I would encourage her to prepare for the pro bono work in advance by 1) conducting research on frequently asked questions to ensure she is up to date with the law, 2) seeking advice from a mentor or trusted colleague who has experience in that area of law, and 3) attending volunteer training sessions.

I would also encourage that attorney to volunteer with organizations where his knowledge and skills can best be utilized. I would also remind him that despite many attorneys focusing on specific practice areas, many of us are competent in multiple areas, as we spent years in law school and passed the grueling bar exam. We may not be experts or specialists in every area, but we know the basics or have the ability to research issues to find the right answers.

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

Kimbrough: My best piece of advice for fellow young attorneys is to enjoy the practice of law and to always do what makes your heart smile. Most of us became lawyers to genuinely help people, as cliché as it sounds. I also implore every young attorney to commit to doing pro bono work for the good of the public, and to get involved in legal associations, as your network is your net worth! AL

Tycha Kimbrough