Debra “Deb” Davis Pointer
Taylor, Olson, Adkins, Sralla & Elam, LLP

Deb attended Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas, Fort Worth School of Business, and Tarrant County Junior College. She received her Paralegal Certificate, graduating magna cum laude from the Professional Development Institute of the University of North Texas.

Deb assists partners, senior attorneys and associate attorneys at TOASE in all areas of municipal law, land use law and administrative law, including matters pertaining to imminent domain, as well as cases before the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and the Texas State Office of Administrative Hearings. She recently began assisting in laws relating to public entities and their employees, specifically, Workforce Development Boards and local Mental Health and Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (MHIDD) Community Centers around the State of Texas.

Please share some memorable moments from your career.
“This year, I am so very proud to celebrate my 41st year assisting attorneys and firms in various areas of law. I began my career in civil and trial litigation, including insurance defense, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, personal injury, toxic and mass torts, pharmaceutical litigation, wrongful death claims, deceptive trade practices, disability insurance, and deceptive products.

Since 2006, I began working at TOASE in new areas of municipal law, land use law, and administrative law which fascinated me because of the new variety of work, research, and contacts. I also recently was asked to begin working in the area of public entities, specifically Workforce Development Boards and local Mental Health and Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (MHIDD) Community Centers. These areas of work have been challenging at times, but also very rewarding. It is a privilege to work with such dedicated attorneys and professionals at TOASE.

I have served in many positions with the Paralegal Division of the State Bar of Texas, as well as the Fort Worth Paralegal Association and enjoy the fellowship of members and patrons of both associations. Perhaps the highlight of my career has been the pleasure of working with many fine attorneys and firms. I have been very lucky and blessed in that regard.”

What are your hobbies?
“I enjoy playing the piano, serving in various lay (volunteer) positions in my church, sewing and reading. However, my most-favorite hobby is spending time with my family, especially my 4 adult children, their spouses, 27 grand-darlings and 4 great-grand-darlings. As you can imagine, I am very thankful for on-line calendars to help me keep up with all these birthdays!”

Tell us some fun facts about you!

• I was born in Roswell, New Mexico in the mid-1950’s, so it has always been a fun conversation with my children as to the possible whereabouts of my “original” planet.
• Being raised as a military dependent in the United States Air Force, I spent most of my childhood living outside the continental United States in Libya, Crete, Alaska and Turkey, so I am (sadly) not very good at U.S. geography.
• While living on the Island of Crete, I was baptized in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Everyone who knows me knows of my love for chocolate. I tell my family I love them “more than chocolate” so they know exactly what I mean and how much I love them.
• In my home I have a sign above my sewing room which says, “I love my family, my faith and my fabric!”
• I must have a very distinct laugh because years ago a former co-worker, whom I had not worked with for several years, recognized me while standing a distance from me in line after hearing my laugh.

Why did you join the College?
“Being a paralegal has allowed me the opportunity to work in areas of law I enjoy and which are very satisfying. I was also able to support myself for many years as a single parent and later, as a single adult. I take my profession as a paralegal very seriously. When I became aware of the associate membership afforded to paralegals to join the Texas Bar College, I applied with the anticipation of being a member of such an honored society. My associate membership allows me to improve my training as a paralegal, as well as maintain high ethical standards for myself and the profession. As a member of several paralegal associations, as well as the College, I am required to improve my training and standards through yearly continuing legal education hour requirements. The College offers CLE discounts and has a great on-line library. I am honored to be an associate member of the College.”

As the law develops, continuing legal education for paralegals is as important as it is for lawyers. Through associate member status, the College honors paralegals who make a commitment to maintain and enhance their professional skills through continuing legal education.