This week features Linda Garza, a Texas attorney whose career spans public service, family‑built entrepreneurship, and the fast‑paced world of consumer brands. Linda began her career in the courtroom – first as an assistant public defender and then as a long‑time prosecutor leading specialized units, including SVU. Those years taught her resilience, empathy, and what justice looks like when you’re standing with people at their most vulnerable moments.

But like many of our Young Gunners guests, Linda’s path took an unexpected turn. Raised in a large Mexican‑American family rooted in wellness, culture, and community, she eventually stepped into a new chapter: helping her family build Siete Family Foods, the nationally recognized, culture‑driven CPG brand that has reshaped the grain‑free food space. As general counsel, she navigated everything from IP protection to product development to the legal complexities of a rapidly scaling startup – all while safeguarding the family’s story and mission.

Her episode explores what it means to lead with cultural identity, how public‑service skills translate into business building, and why non‑linear careers often create the most meaningful impact. Linda also shares her commitment to service beyond the workplace – through bar leadership, nonprofit work, and the Garza Family Foundation – and the through‑line that connects every chapter of her journey.

It’s an inspiring, candid look at how lawyers can be advocates, builders, and community stewards all at once!

Listen at the link below, or on any platform where you listen to podcasts:https://tyla.org/resource/young-gunners-podcast/

#younggunners #tyla #texasyounglawyers #legalpodcast #publicservice #latinalawyers #generalcounsel #inhousecounsel #familybusiness #sietefoods #cpg #leadership #nonlinearcareers

Time for the fun stuff! In this episode, we get to know the candidates beyond their campaigns – from Whataburger orders and wellness routines, to dream reforms for the legal profession and the TYLA projects they love most! You can access this and all future episodes at this link, or anywhere you listen to podcasts: https://tyla.org/resource/young-gunners-podcast/

Don’t forget – voting for Texas Young Lawyers Association is April 1-30, 2026!

#uncommonleaders #tyla #tylaelection #texyounglawyers #younggunners #presidentelect #legalpodcast #leadershipinlaw #barservice

This week’s episode of Young Gunners features John Haugen, West Point graduate, former U.S. Army captain, and founding attorney of The Haugen Law Firm, P.C. a Lewisville‑based family law practice, whose path to the legal profession was anything but traditional. John grew up with humble beginnings, grounded by a family that taught him the value of discipline, service, and grit. That foundation carried him to West Point, where he developed the leadership and resilience that would shape every chapter that followed.

After years of service and a successful career outside the law, John felt the pull toward a second act – one fueled by his entrepreneurial spirit and the unwavering support of his wife. Together, they made the bold decision for him to pursue law school as a second career.

His episode explores what it means to start over with purpose, how discipline and humility translate across careers, and why the courage to pivot can open doors you never expected!

Listen at the link below, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://tyla.org/resource/young-gunners-podcast/

#younggunners #unlikelyadvocates #tyla #texasyounglawyers #legalpodcast #secondcareer #familylaw #familylawyers #military #militaryveterans #westpoint