State Bar Director Spotlight • September 2025

Caren Lock

Hometown: HOUSTON
Position: MANAGING DIRECTOR IN, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS OFFICER OF TEACHERS INSURANCE AND ANNUITY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (TIAA) IN DALLAS
Board Member: AT-LARGE DIRECTOR SINCE 2024

Interview by Will Korn
Photo courtesy of Caren Lock

I DECIDED TO BECOME A LAWYER WHEN MY PARENTS TOOK THEIR CAR INTO A CAR REPAIR SHOP TO FIX A FLAT TIRE, BUT THE OWNER TRIED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM. I was 8 or 9 at the time and the repair shop had flattened all four tires when we went to pick up the car. I caused such a scene that they reinflated the other three tires after I threatened them with a lawsuit. Clearly, I didn’t know any lawyers at that young age, but I realized quickly that the threat of litigation keeps everyone honest.

I WAS A LITIGATOR FOR OVER A DECADE BUT NOW I AM A LOBBYIST FOR TIAA. I have always been interested in politics and even wrote my college honors thesis on political action committees (PACs). When I was general counsel of a small startup, I had to put in place a model bill for the credit industry. Once I caught the lobbying bug, there was no turning back. I have been lobbying for close to two decades now. The good news is lobbying is very similar to litigation. You have a short window of time to convince a small group of people you are honest, that you have a good story to tell, and persuade them to decide in your favor.

I WANT TO CONTRIBUTE MEANINGFULLY TO OUR PROFESSION AND BE A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE STATE BAR OF TEXAS MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE. It is important for me to create positive change and ensure our profession is one of excellence and integrity. I am honored to be a member of the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors.

PRIOR TO MY SERVICE ON THE BOARD, I DIDN’T APPRECIATE HOW MUCH WORK THE STATE BAR DOES BEHIND THE SCENES. The leadership and support staff are incredibly dedicated to serving more than 116,000 Texas attorneys—from the budget, CLEs, lawyers support and engagement to everything in between.

A STATE BAR OF TEXAS DIRECTOR IS CHARGED WITH ETHICAL LEADERSHIP AND REMAINING MISSION FOCUSED on serving the public and supporting the administration of the legal system.

THE STATE BAR OF TEXAS IS COMMITTED TO ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR ALL. Legal representation should not be dictated by your bank account. When I think back to why I chose this profession, it was to ensure people like my parents are treated fairly and if the need arises, they can afford to hire legal representation.

THE TOP ISSUE FACING TEXAS ATTORNEYS IS ADAPTATION TO NEW TECHNOLOGY. As AI tools become more prevalent, we must stay relevant and press for ethical guidance, training, and innovation without compromising on our professionalism.

I WOULD TELL A LAW STUDENT OR A YOUNG ATTORNEY THAT YOUR WORD IS YOUR BOND. You cannot control the outcome of a case, but you can control your actions and behavior.