Lucia Thompson, a licensed attorney of 24 years, mom to three and involved community member is the definition of a Rio Grande Valley “Jefa.” Board-certified in family law and, more recently, collaborative law, Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Valley.
“As a young law student, I took a class in family law and knew immediately this was the track for me. I felt and still continue to feel that practicing family law is a unique opportunity to partner with clients during some of the most difficult seasons of their lives and really make a difference,” said Thompson.
“When I was just starting out, I noticed that the family lawyers in the Valley were not necessarily a reflection of our population and I was determined to change that.”
As a young, ambitious Latina, Thompson felt that she was the girl for the job and right she was! Nearly a quarter century later, Thompson’s loyal client base and community involvement speaks for itself.
A self-proclaimed nerd, Thompson is a lifelong learner and will never turn down an opportunity to widen her knowledge base. She jokes, “My nightstands never get a break from the deluge of books I am reading.” This desire to continue to learn to better herself and her clients translates into her most recent accomplishment: a board certification for practicing collaborative law.
Collaborative law is a newer trend adopted by larger cities in Texas (e.g., Houston, Dallas and Austin). Still, it has yet to make its way to the Valley. Not one to settle, Thompson sought to bring this area of practice to her hometown and brought other attorneys on board along the way. She believes that her clients deserve every opportunity and strives to bring the most cutting-edge practices to assist each client better.
For Thompson, success is a wider term than a desired outcome in the courtroom or a financial gain. Although she will fight tooth and nail in the courtroom, she also deeply cares about the well-being of her clients outside the courtroom. If she thinks that divorce is premature, she openly encourages clients to pursue counseling or to meet with their pastor. This way, Thompson is set apart as an attorney genuinely vested in her client’s best interest.
She reflects that one of the most rewarding aspects of her job is seeing clients through some of their darkest days to the other side, where they can live a fulfilling life. “Being able to help bring about that healing process fills me with immense gratitude and keeps me doing what I love,” Thompson said.
Thompson attributes her hard-working ethics and deep dedication to law to her faith and family. She starts every day reflecting on how she can give “my clients my all” before she embarks on the day. After some self-reflection, she says a quick prayer, letting go of what she can’t control, readies her kids out the door, and is on her way! “My mom, who lives with us, often has a smoothie ready to go for me, and we typically enjoy a few slow moments together before the chaos of the day ensues,” Thompson said.
Her love and passion for her profession have even rubbed off on her eldest son, who plans to start law school next year. Thompson loves coaching younger attorneys, so her son’s interest is a dream come true!
In addition to her 9-5, Thompson is an integral member of many boards, including:
- Board member of Access Esperanza
- Board member of McAllen Boys and Girls Club
- Board Member of Texas Women Lawyers
Thompson believes in adding value to her clients and her community, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). The RGV has been her home since childhood, and Thompson continually strives to improve her hometown, which has shaped her into the Jefa she is today! Lucia Thompson is not only an inspiration to her community but also to countless young Latinas who look up to her example. Thompson hopes this article encourages young people to pursue their dreams and to continue to foster a love of learning!
