by  Timothy Newman

Its members are involved and energetic, it’s a dynamic organization that provides a multitude of opportunities for involvement, and its members make a difference in the community. These are just a few of the things Alex Bolton loves about the DAYL. Alex is this month’s DAYL One to Watch, and he exemplifies what it means to be a leader of the DAYL.

Hailing from Alexandria, Louisiana (yes, Mardi Gras is his favorite holiday), Alex decided to become a lawyer because he wanted a dynamic and challenging profession – not just a job. In the two short years since he graduated from SMU’s Dedman School of Law and joined the DAYL, he has taken the organization by storm as a member of the 2013 DAYL Leadership Class and co-chair of the Law Student Assistance Committee. “I think it’s important to become involved with law students who are either just starting or who are about to enter the workforce,” Alex said. “It’s important for them to have the perspective of someone who has been in their shoes and made it out safely to the other side.” Alex is also a member of the Texas Bar and DBA Family Law Sections, the Texas Family Law Foundation, and the Annette Stewart American Inn of Court (exclusively for family attorneys).

Alex brings his desire for service into his daily practice as a family and probate lawyer at Underwood Perkins, P.C. He often refers to his work as “practicing law in the trenches” because of the stress and demands of the legal profession coupled with the often unhappy situations he walks into. “But when a client leaves the courtroom with the desired results,” he says, “it’s encouraging to know I was able to help in that process.” His clients, his firm, the DAYL, and his community are no doubt thankful for Alex’s efforts.

When he isn’t “in the trenches” or in the throes of single-handedly organizing yet another great DAYL event, Alex enjoys travelling, gardening, bicycling, and hanging out in his East Dallas neighborhood.

In reflection, Alex said, “When I finish my legal career, I hope I can say my work and efforts left my community a better place than when I came to it. I hope I can make a positive difference in the lives of my clients and the community I serve.”

He’s well on his way…