© 2015 The Texas Lawbook.
By Brooks Igo
(July 29) – Ogletree Deakins recently announced that seven-term congressman and former judge Charlie Gonzalez returned to private practice after more than 30 years and joined its San Antonio office as of counsel.
Gonzalez, who represented Texas’ 20th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1999 to 2013, says he will advise clients on the regulatory environment and help them navigate the bureaucratic process. He says it is “great to come back to the legal field.
“It is my first love,” he said. “The practice of law plays an important role in society.”
Gonzalez has deep roots in San Antonio. His father – Henry Gonzalez – served as the U.S. Rep. of Texas’ 20th District for nearly 40 years until being succeeded by Gonzalez. Prior to his service in congress, Gonzalez was an elected district judge, county court at law judge and lawyer in private practice.
Most recently, he was a senior advisor with VIA Metropolitan Transit.
“I know the history of San Antonio and have relationships that will assist in advising clients,” he said.
As a strategic advisor to clients, Gonzalez says he will help them not only look at what laws and regulations require, but also what the practical applications are.
“The human element is the most important one,” he said.
Gonzalez will also be conducting a mediation practice. While he was judge of the 57th State Judicial District Court, he developed a district-wide alternative dispute resolution system.
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