© 2016 The Texas Lawbook.
Three simple words – remember your name. That has always been the Mason family mantra – remember who you are, remember your beliefs and values.
I strive to live up to that mantra daily, and to remember my name because it embodies some of the people I admire and respect the most – at the top of that list is my dad, Wayne Mason. While many can claim their dad as their hero, it is rare that your hero is also your professional mentor. I am blessed to have both.
My Dad never pushed me to become a lawyer. In fact, he might tell you that he even dissuaded me. When I told him I was interested in law school, he was quick to hand me a copy of One L by Scott Turow, the well-known story of a first year’s struggles and hardships at Harvard, to give me that “wake up call” and make sure I knew what I was getting myself into.
He wanted me to know there were plenty of great career choices. “You could be an orthodontist, work from 9-4 Monday through Thursday, and play golf whenever you want,” he would say. Although I loved the thought of playing that much golf (who wouldn’t – especially since after being a collegiate golfer, I had dreams of playing on the PGA Tour), what he didn’t realize was that it wasn’t only the legal profession itself that interested me, it was the respect that he has achieved in the legal community.
It has been such an honor to be approached time after time and asked if I am related to my dad. Each time the themes consistent: he is hard-working, tough, but respectful and kind. He’s fair when he needs to be, but he’s a bulldog when it counts. He is the ultimate story teller.
To suggest that my Dad has been an important part of my professional career would be a gross understatement. He has been by my side every step of the way – from the LSAT, to law school, to sitting on the patio with me at Del Frisco’s Grille as we waited to learn that I passed the bar exam. Beyond that, he has been my guiding voice of reason as I have navigated my own career. He has constantly pushed me to be a better person, to work harder than everyone else, and to treat everyone with respect. All qualities that I have seen and admired from him throughout my life.
I have recently become a Dad myself, and it’s most certainly had me thinking how special it would be if my son were to carry on in the family profession. But, just like my Dad, I won’t push for something that isn’t mine to decide. I’ll support and encourage him to follow his own path, his own dream. Just as my Dad has done for me.
Thanks Dad, for being my friend, mentor and hero. I will always do my best to remember my name, and I will never forget what and who it stands for.
Brian E. Mason is an associate at of Gruber Elrod Johansen Hail Shank LLP
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