Growing up on a farm in Atlanta, Texas, wasn’t glamorous, but it was the foundation for everything I’ve accomplished. Life on the farm wasn’t just about early mornings and hard labor—it was about resilience, resourcefulness, and understanding the value of community. As I look back now, I realize that those early lessons profoundly shaped who I am today, not only as a lawyer but also as a person.
The Early Lessons of Hard Work
Farm life is synonymous with hard work. My parents, siblings, and I worked from dawn until dusk tending to animals, maintaining crops, and managing the many moving parts of farm operations. There was no such thing as “quitting time” because the farm’s needs dictated our schedule.
These early experiences instilled a strong work ethic in me that has never wavered. Whether it was preparing a case or helping a client navigate a tough situation, I’ve always approached challenges with the same determination I learned on the farm. Success in the courtroom, much like on the farm, comes from effort, preparation, and the willingness to keep going even when the odds are against you.
Learning the Value of Community
In a small town like Atlanta, everyone relies on each other. If a neighbor’s tractor broke down, my dad would be the first to offer help. When someone was in need, we came together as a community to support them.
This sense of responsibility to others is a cornerstone of my career as a lawyer. At the Buzbee Law Firm, we represent the underdogs—people who often feel like they have nowhere else to turn. Whether it’s a family devastated by a workplace accident or someone standing up to a corporation in a discrimination case, I see each client as a neighbor in need. My rural upbringing taught me that when you have the ability to help, you step up.
Leadership and Discipline
During my time at Texas A&M University, I joined the Corps of Cadets and served as the Battalion Commander of the NROTC Midshipman Battalion. Those years were transformative, but I’ve often thought about how my ability to lead started long before college.
On the farm, leadership wasn’t optional—it was necessary. From an early age, I had to take charge of tasks and work alongside my siblings to get things done. When I transitioned to the Corps, I relied on those experiences to guide me. Leadership, I learned, isn’t about barking orders; it’s about earning trust, setting an example, and showing up for others.
That same principle guides my practice today. In the courtroom, I see myself as an advocate and a leader for my clients, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
From Hard Work to Justice
Becoming a lawyer wasn’t the most obvious path for a farm boy from Atlanta, Texas. After earning my degree in psychology from Texas A&M, I went on to study law at the University of Houston Law Center. At first, the transition from psychology to law felt daunting, but the common thread was a deep desire to understand people and help them navigate challenges.
When I founded the Buzbee Law Firm in 2000, I made a commitment to represent those who needed it most. Our clients come from all walks of life, but many of them remind me of the hardworking people I grew up with—people who didn’t have the luxury of endless resources but deserved justice nonetheless.
Our work often involves taking on large corporations or navigating high-stakes cases. It’s not unlike farming in that success requires grit, resourcefulness, and a deep commitment to the task at hand.
Giving Back to the Community
As much as I’ve taken lessons from my past into my career, I’ve also tried to give back to the community that shaped me. Whether it’s serving as Gala Chair for the Houston Children’s Charity or donating my exotic car collection to the Jesse Tree, I believe in the importance of using success as a platform for good.
Farming taught me that community matters, and that belief has stayed with me. I’ve made it a point to ensure that my firm isn’t just about legal victories but also about making a difference in people’s lives.
Gratitude for the Journey
Looking back, I realize that my rural upbringing didn’t just prepare me for a career in law—it prepared me for life. The lessons I learned in Atlanta, Texas, are woven into everything I do, from how I approach cases to how I interact with clients and colleagues.
Farming isn’t easy, and neither is practicing law, but both are deeply rewarding. They both require patience, perseverance, and a belief in something greater than yourself. I’m grateful for those early years on the farm because they taught me how to work hard, lead with integrity, and always look for ways to make a difference.
The courtroom may be a far cry from the fields of Atlanta, Texas, but in many ways, they aren’t so different. Both are places where determination and heart make all the difference. And as I continue to fight for justice, I carry the lessons of my rural roots with me every step of the way.