The AlumNow series showcases former students’ post-graduation successes.
We recently caught up with Miguel Cazarez, who is now an attorney. Read about his educational journey at Dallas ISD and how his teachers impacted him to give back to his community.
What high school did you graduate from and what year did you graduate?
School For The Talented and Gifted Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center in 2010.
What is your current occupation?
I am a commercial litigation attorney at Witherite Law Group.
What made your Dallas ISD education unique?
The TAG program at L.V. Stockard Middle School gave me my start in life. I felt like I was understood there. I was encouraged to attend the Talented and Gifted magnet, which really opened the floodgates for my education.
They made me think in ways I had never thought of. The work was vigorous, and oftentimes, while I was in high school, I wanted to quit. I thought I was not smart enough to make it there, but Townivew the courage to believe in myself. I learned how to speak in public. I learned how to adapt myself to others. Townview really set the basis for what would become my future career.
What are some career or personal highlights/accomplishments?
I tried cases in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Smith, Gregg, and Wood counties. Presenting my clients’ cases to the jury is my passion. I also argued in front of the Court of Appeals in Smith County. Outside of court, I have settled hundreds of cases totaling millions of dollars for my clients.
Who was your favorite Dallas ISD teacher or what was your favorite course?
Mrs. Frankie Ross, my fourth grade teacher. We had a love-hate relationship during our time together. She loved me so much, and I would rebel against her like the child I was., but she taught me patience. She taught me how to sit and listen. She taught me how to be interested in learning. She taught me so much in life, we still stay in touch. We are even Facebook friends. Because what she taught me extended beyond the classroom,I felt it as a child. I feel it as an adult. Those lessons she taught me will accompany me to my grave.
What advice, if any, would you offer to students who are interested in your career field?
I would advise students to learn how to think objectively. Many times, I have to step outside of myself in order to truly understand a case.
I had to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. It’s a challenge to step outside of yourself and maybe even question yourself, but that comes with growing and expanding your mind in life. You may learn that what you were certain of was completely wrong, or what you thought was completely wrong turned out to be correct. You won’t know until you view things objectively. Your view of the world will change. Your relationships with people will change. You will be able to present yourself better to others because you will understand them. You will be able to adapt to different situations because you can view them in a different light. It’s life-changing.
