Emerson Banack, with Langley & Banack.

Emerson “Buddy” Banack, Jr. is co-founder and shareholder of Langley & Banack, one of the largest and locally owned law firms in San Antonio, now in its 32nd year of operation. Banack graduated from The University of Texas School of Law when Lyndon B. Johnson was President of the United States and the population of Austin was just under 215,000. As he managed his own practice and mentored young attorneys, he and the team at Langley & Banack built the practice that is now at 68 attorneys, while opening offices in Carrizo Springs, Eagle Pass, Karnes City, Castroville and New Braunfels.

The legal profession is constantly evolving and that evolution only seems to have accelerated in recent years. What's the biggest change you've seen in the profession during your career?

The biggest changes that I have noticed in the practice of law have been: 1) More litigation resolved through the use of mediation and arbitration instead of by jury trials, 2) more women in law school and as attorneys and 3) more paralegals in the field.

What is one thing about the profession that has remained unchanged over the years?

The one thing that has remained unchanged over the years is the importance of honesty, truthfulness, and the high ethical standards of the legal profession.

What is one piece of advice you would give someone entering into the profession that you wish you had as a young lawyer?

The one piece of advice that I would give to a young lawyer is to always be well prepared and keep your clients well informed. I was always given great advice by my mentor and partner, Mr. Ralph Langley!