{"id":147750,"date":"2026-03-27T11:34:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T19:34:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2026\/03\/27\/ray-thomas-to-whom-much-is-given-much-is-expected\/"},"modified":"2026-03-27T11:34:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T19:34:16","slug":"ray-thomas-to-whom-much-is-given-much-is-expected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2026\/03\/27\/ray-thomas-to-whom-much-is-given-much-is-expected\/","title":{"rendered":"Ray Thomas: To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"196782\" class=\"elementor elementor-196782\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-393daa82 elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle\" data-id=\"393daa82\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4c6fa5a4\" data-id=\"4c6fa5a4\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-54821603 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"54821603\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6abf04f\" data-id=\"6abf04f\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-266c76e8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"266c76e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Ray Thomas: To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected<\/h1>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-338766e0 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"338766e0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-4402b1a elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/author\/dan-baldwin\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-author\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-info__item-prefix\">By<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDan Baldwin\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4122400d elementor-share-buttons--view-icon elementor-share-buttons--skin-flat elementor-share-buttons--shape-circle elementor-share-buttons--align-center elementor-share-buttons--color-custom elementor-grid-0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-122649 elementor-widget-share-buttons\" data-id=\"4122400d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"share-buttons.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-grid\">\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_facebook\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-facebook\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_twitter\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on twitter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-twitter\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_linkedin\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on linkedin\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-linkedin\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_pinterest\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on pinterest\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-pinterest\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_email\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on email\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-envelope\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-730511be elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"730511be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>\u201cThe phrase \u2018to whom much is given, much is expected\u2019 is more than a clich\u00e9 to me. It\u2019s a core value of mine,\u201d says Ray Thomas, founder of Ray Thomas Law Group.<\/p>\n<p>That philosophy guided Thomas from a life in the small town of Presidio to professional fame and national recognition in the legal field. He was raised by a single mom who put her kids through school by working three jobs and still found time for community service. He says Presidio was so remote at that time the nearest McDonalds was 157 miles away. Yet, the small-town border culture created a commitment to family and community, a strong work ethic and a sense of duty.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy early life taught me resilience, persistence, an appreciation for nature, and of a responsibility to others,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>His parents divorced when he was 6 years old and his mom moved to Presidio, Texas, where Thomas and his two sisters were raised. The small community was just across the border from Ojinaga, Mexico, his mother\u2019s original home. With family in each community, he says crossing the international border for him was more like crossing the street.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe shared the same culture, the same traditions, the same languages,\u201d Thomas says. True to his western roots, he had a couple of horses, so he was able to ride into town, tie off the horse and go to class.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-26111d2d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"26111d2d\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-37f9a13a\" data-id=\"37f9a13a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-564993b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"564993b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">A Job With Air Conditioning<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32be3331 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"32be3331\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Thomas led a simple, yet hard life. He worked in the west Texas heat in cantaloupe and onion fields and in laying out cables for a seismic exploration company. While working at the seismic exploration company, a co-worker in his 50s asked Thomas if he wanted to do hard, manual labor in the heat of the sun for the rest of his life. Thomas says he learned valuable lessons in those years about the dignity of work, respecting laborers, and treating people with respect regardless of their social station. \u201cThe co-worker made his point. I knew I needed to go to college to do better and to reach higher,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>He attended St. Mary\u2019s University in San Antonio and then the University of Texas School of Law. \u201cOne of the proudest moments in my mom\u2019s life was seeing her son graduate from law school.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-35824ab9\" data-id=\"35824ab9\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-40a5a347 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"40a5a347\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"681\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ray-thomas-1-681x1024.jpg?resize=681%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-196833\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-516b80ae elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"516b80ae\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-12006d33\" data-id=\"12006d33\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-58cba925 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"58cba925\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Real Power of a Law License<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37572305 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"37572305\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>During his third year at law school, Thomas worked at the Attorney General\u2019s Office where he had the opportunity to work on landmark cases under Allene Evans, the chief of the antitrust division who was responsible for high stakes litigation. Upon graduating in 1988, he received a number of job offers including one to remain with the Attorney General\u2019s Office in the antitrust division.<\/p>\n<p>A more attractive offer came from a law firm in McAllen, a border town on the verge of an economic boom and promising great opportunity. He accepted the job, moved south and never looked back. He started with Jarvis, Schwarz and Kittleman, at that time a small firm representing the business community, a place where he cut his teeth in litigation.<\/p>\n<p>For Thomas, McAllen was like Manhattan compared to Presidio. Thomas immediately took to his new home in South Texas. \u201cI fell in love with the people, the culture, the traditions, the cuisine, the music. It\u2019s just very family-oriented. McAllen is open to everybody. If you weren\u2019t born and raised there, you can get to McAllen and still succeed and be a community leader.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4483a5d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"4483a5d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mountain-Opener.png?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-196803\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-01735d9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"01735d9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>One of his cases that exemplifies his approach to client service, the law and his community involved a woman from Zacatecas, Mexico. Her migrant husband was injured on the job in the United States. The husband called his wife asking for her to send their two oldest sons to him because he needed care just getting through daily life. The boys were ages 8 and 15 and soon moved in with the father.<\/p>\n<p>Matters were complicated because the husband developed a relationship with a U.S. woman. After the father died from work-related injuries, the girlfriend refused to give the children back. The Mexican Consulate asked Thomas to see if he could help recover the children. Thomas was immediately suspicious. He suspected the girlfriend was acting as the common law wife of the deceased and was pursing a claim for wrongful death as the surviving spouse and as next friend of the children.<\/p>\n<p>After doing a little digging, his hunch proved right. Thomas found the petition, which was indeed filed with the girlfriend claiming to be the surviving spouse and next friend of the children. Thomas reached out to the lawyer representing the girlfriend and discovered that they had just settled the case, at mediation, for several million dollars. Fortunately, the case had not yet funded as formal settlement documents and a prove up hearing had to be completed.<\/p>\n<p>Thomas paid a visit to the girlfriend\u2019s lawyer and showed him proof of the marriage to the woman in Mexico. The girlfriend could not claim to be common law married when the prior marriage was never dissolved.\u00a0 After the lawyer did his own due diligence, he arranged to have the children returned to their mother. Thomas and his paralegal met the girlfriend at a truck stop between McAllen and Houston for the hand-off of the boys. When Thomas returned the boys to their mother, the emotional reunion left an indelible mark on Thomas\u2019 soul.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe case wasn\u2019t about the fee. It was about making things right. The correct family members got the settlement proceeds for the wrongful death. The girlfriend\u2019s lawyer got paid his contingent fee. He earned it,\u201d Thomas says.<\/p>\n<p>There was a personal and emotional bonus from the case. The oldest boy was deaf and mute. Thomas set up an appointment with a McAllen friend and client, an Eye\/Nose\/Throat specialist. The specialist was able to intervene and restore the teenager\u2019s hearing. The teen began intensive therapy. After a year, the boy learned to speak and is now living a normal and productive life. Thomas stays in touch with the family.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s the real power of a law license. That\u2019s how a law license can and should be used \u2013 to help people, especially the most vulnerable,\u201d Thomas says.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2a3c90b8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2a3c90b8\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-72b03545\" data-id=\"72b03545\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-553d688a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"553d688a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"219\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/attorney-at-law-magazine-Ray-Thomas-1024x219.png?resize=1024%2C219&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-196819\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-44ff3e74 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"44ff3e74\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7d365b6a\" data-id=\"7d365b6a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e5784d3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5e5784d3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Losing Wins<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-69300a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"69300a7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Thomas found McAllen to be a great place to practice law. His success led to other lawyers calling on him to co-counsel cases throughout Texas. After his firm grew to 18 attorneys, Thomas wanted a change. He felt a need for greater freedom and a strong urge to grow and to serve the community in a higher capacity. He left the firm to run for chief justice of the Court of Appeals.<\/p>\n<p>He lost the race.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m one of those \u2018glass is half full\u2019 guys. I got my freedom from the restraints of a law firm with multiple partners. I became a sole practitioner January 1, 2017. And having lost that judicial race turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to my career,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>Within two years of losing the election, Thomas won several jury verdicts and settlements that enabled him to pursue his other passions, including ranching and raising Wagyu cattle.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-d8b2842\" data-id=\"d8b2842\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-49d0d98 elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"49d0d98\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-quote-left\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd8c557 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bd8c557\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">I\u2019m one of those \u2018glass is half full\u2019 guys. &#8230; And having lost that judicial race turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to my career.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4d1072d3 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4d1072d3\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6cf8b946\" data-id=\"6cf8b946\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-53adbc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"53adbc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Thrill of It All<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-29906cc7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"29906cc7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"663\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mr.-Universe-1024x663.jpeg?resize=1024%2C663&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-196796\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">Thomas with his record-setting Wagyu bull, Mr. Universe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-405c7ae3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"405c7ae3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Out of the office, Thomas lives a well-rounded and family-focused life. He and his wife of 37 years, Sandra, were married on April Fools Day. \u201cI never have to worry about forgetting our anniversary,\u201d he says. They have, as he says, two children here and two in heaven.<\/p>\n<p>Thomas is a cattleman and pecan farmer with a historic ranch just outside of Sequin, which is also a resort destination for corporate events and family retreats. He and Sandra own, and their son operates, Santos Patronos Ranch where they breed fullblood Japanese Black Wagyu cattle. They also own a beef store, aptly named High Steaks Legal Beef, LLC to reflect the nature of Thomas\u2019 law practice, which retails their award-winning Wagyu jerky and high-end Wagyu beef. Most recently, Thomas and his son have launched a podcast called <em>Legal Beef. <\/em><\/p>\n<p>He enjoys reading novels, particularly those by Scott Turow and Tom Clancy. His musical tastes are eclectic, ranging from country and classic rock to mariachi and calypso. His firm represents a number of famous music artists and record labels.<\/p>\n<p>Thomas has served his community through various civic organizations, such as the Vannie Cook Children\u2019s Cancer Foundation and the board of governors for the Boys &amp; Girls Club of McAllen. He\u2019s a former president of the Club and the chair of a Capital Campaign, which raised more than $5 million to build a new, state-of-the-art club house for underprivileged youth.<\/p>\n<p>Friends and associates are inevitably surprised to discover his perceived calm and serious exterior hides an adventurous spirit. Thomas says, \u201cI have a high tolerance for risk and I\u2019m an adrenaline junkie. I like high speed, high altitude, high risk challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-46e538cd elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"46e538cd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"689\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ray_Airplane-Instructor-1024x689.jpg?resize=1024%2C689&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-196798\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">Thomas With Instructor Pilot After Another Thrilling Flight<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-457cc148 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"457cc148\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>He has skydived, Class 5 white water rafting, spear-fished, water skied, snow skied, bungee jumped, rappelled, spelunked, raced cars on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and enjoyed off-road adventures in a Baja Challenge race car. But his great thrill has been strapping into an Extra 330, one of the world\u2019s most elite aerobatic aircraft where he learned to fly aerobatic maneuvers and engage in air-to-air dogfighting.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve done it four times now, and it is the absolute thrill of a lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Following the example of his mother, Thomas is grounded in his faith. \u201cAlthough mom did not have much money or material things, we were rich in love and in faith and in family. And that\u2019s a much more important legacy than money.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In December of 2010, he was ordained as a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church. He now serves at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Seguin, where he preaches nearly every weekend in English and Spanish, and teaches adult religious education. He owns a Christian recording studio dedicated to helping young artists spread the Gospel through inspiring music.<\/p>\n<p>Thomas says, \u201cTo me, the most important word in human existence is relationship. When our relationships are good, life is good. When our relationships are bad, life is bad. But relationships that are broken can be healed, restored, and renewed. God\u2019s grace gives us the capacity to forgive that which is unforgivable, and to love those who are unlovable. I don\u2019t hold grudges. I look for the best in others. We have to work on maintaining good relationships with our Creator, with our family and with each other because a rising tide lifts all ships.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-5a9be66 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5a9be66\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-5e869e4\" data-id=\"5e869e4\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-77144af elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"77144af\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"778\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ray-Grandkids-778x1024.jpeg?resize=778%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-196801\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">Thomas with grandchildren at the family ranch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-24496e0\" data-id=\"24496e0\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b7063be elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5b7063be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"731\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Family_Fireplace.jpg?resize=1000%2C731&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-196802\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"> Thomas with his family.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-68f5ddf5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"68f5ddf5\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-8db9731\" data-id=\"8db9731\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-152dc920 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"152dc920\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">At a Glance<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a6a33a0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a6a33a0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><strong>Ray Thomas, PC<\/strong><br \/>4900-B N 10th St<br \/>McAllen, Texas, 78504<br \/>(956) 632-5033<br \/><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.defendmn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">raythomaspc.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b462c73 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b462c73\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><strong>Seguin Office<br \/><\/strong>2090 W. Kingsbury<br \/>Seguin, TX 78155\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-60bfb2d0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"60bfb2d0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">EDUCATION<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32848236 elementor-align-left elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"32848236\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Juris Doctor, University of Texas School of Law, 1988<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Bachelor of Arts, St. Mary\u2019s University, 1985 <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e72a6d8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e72a6d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Professional<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d47d2d elementor-align-left elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"0d47d2d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">More Than 100 Cases Tried<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37cc5f89 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"37cc5f89\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Professional Memberships<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9542409 elementor-align-left elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"9542409\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">State Bar of Texas, Litigation Section, Chair, 2025-2026<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">American Board of Trial Advocates, Presidential Appointee to National Board, 2025<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Trial Academy Litigation Section, Faculty Member, 2025<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">TTLA Trial Advocacy College of Texas, Faculty Member, 2024<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">ABOTA National Trial Academy Chicago, Faculty Member, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Access to Justice Commission, 2001-2002<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">State Bar of Texas, Executive, Budge, Sunset Committees, Boards of Directors, 1998-2001<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Texas Young Lawyers Association, President, 1999-2000<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Fellow<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">International Society of Barristers, Fellow<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Texas Bar Foundation, Sustaining Life Fellow<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c53f2ee elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c53f2ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Personal <\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c3d0d86 elementor-align-left elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"c3d0d86\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Wagyu Cattle Rancher<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Co-Owner of Santos Patronos Ranch &amp; High Steaks Legal Beef, LLC<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Ordained Permanent Deacon of the Roman Catholic Church<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Candidate for President Elect, State Bar of Texas<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-157a83e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"157a83e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Family<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3447332 elementor-align-left elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"3447332\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Married 37 Years to Sandra Thomas<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Two Children and Three Grandchildren<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-24d86b73 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"24d86b73\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-576710a\" data-id=\"576710a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e49880f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5e49880f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Read More Stories<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-39e61a74 elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_hero_9_elementor\" data-id=\"39e61a74\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"jnews_hero_9_elementor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock jeg_heroblock_9 jeg_col_3o3 jeg_hero_style_1 jnews_module_196782_4_69ce74f591ba2   tiny-slider\" data-margin=\"0\" data-autoplay=\"yes\" data-delay=\"3000\">\n<div class=\"jeg_hero_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock_wrapper\">\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_1 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/marcela-mercado\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Marcela-Cover-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Marcela-Cover-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\" class=\"category-attorney-feature\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Feature<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/marcela-mercado\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Marcela Mercado: Finding Her Way Without a Map<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/marcela-mercado\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 30, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_2 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/steven-kunysz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Steven1-1-750x600.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Steven1-1-750x600.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\" class=\"category-attorney-interview\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Q&amp;A<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/steven-kunysz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Steven Kunysz: A Natural Progression<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/steven-kunysz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 30, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock_wrapper\">\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_1 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/sherrie-boutwell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boutwell-Sherrie-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boutwell-Sherrie-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\" class=\"category-attorney-interview\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Q&amp;A<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a 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href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/vendor-interview\/steven-gard\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Steven-Guard-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Steven-Guard-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/vendor-interview\" class=\"category-vendor-interview\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Vendor Interview<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/vendor-interview\/steven-gard\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Steven Gard: From Trial Lawyer to Trusted Neutral<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/vendor-interview\/steven-gard\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 24, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/ray-thomas\" target=\"_blank\">Ray Thomas: To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney at Law Magazine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"moove_gdpr_cookie_modal\" class=\"gdpr_lightbox-hide\" role=\"complementary\" aria-label=\"GDPR Settings Screen\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-modal-content moove-clearfix logo-position-left moove_gdpr_modal_theme_v1\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-modal-left-content\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-company-logo-holder\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/black%400.5x.png?resize=172%2C63&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"172\" height=\"63\" class=\"img-responsive\" title=\"\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-modal-right-content\">\n<div class=\"main-modal-content\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-tab-content\">\n<div id=\"privacy_overview\" class=\"moove-gdpr-tab-main\">Privacy Overview<\/p>\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-tab-main-content\">\n<p>This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/privacy-policy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ray Thomas: To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected By Dan Baldwin \u201cThe phrase \u2018to whom much is given, much is expected\u2019 is more than a clich\u00e9 to me. It\u2019s a core value of mine,\u201d says Ray Thomas, founder of Ray Thomas Law Group. That philosophy guided Thomas from a life in the small [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-147750","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-legal_matters"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/147750","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=147750"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/147750\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=147750"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=147750"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=147750"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}