An interview with Jose Pablo Salas '15, by Rey Cisneros '25

Question #1: What inspired you to become a lawyer, and how did your experience at SJA contribute to that journey? 

I became a lawyer because, from an early age, I've been drawn to problem-solving and navigating complex challenges. As a corporate lawyer, I combine my analytical skills with my interest in business and law, helping companies, especially in the energy industry, solve legal issues while driving strategic decisions. I enjoy the intellectual rigor of corporate law and the opportunity to have a tangible impact on clients' success. The fast-paced, dynamic nature of corporate law also keeps me engaged and constantly learning, which is important to me in my career. Ultimately, it's about making 

a difference for clients and contributing to the broader business landscape. SJA played a crucial role in preparing me for college, which, in turn, prepared me for law school. I will always be grateful to my teachers, especially Mrs. Valadez, who instilled a love for reading in me (all I do as a corporate lawyer is read and write). SJA also gave me the opportunity to network with lawyers since I was in 9th grade—something rare for high school students.

Question #2: Can you share a challenging moment in your career and how you overcame it?

Trying to land a job as a corporate lawyer is very difficult. I had to knock on dozens of doors before I was given an opportunity. Once I got it, however, I never let go. The key is to be persistent, determined, and humble. SJA's motto—ad astra per aspera—was 100% true for me.

Question #3: What advice would you give to current SJA students who hope to follow a similar path?

Corporate law sits at the intersection of law and business, so it's important to understand both. In high school, you can start reading about business concepts, economics, and principles of law. Join the business club, too. While you can't focus on law in high school, taking courses such as government and/or economics will provide a solid foundation. After high school, aim for an undergraduate degree in a field that aligns with law or business (like political science, economics, or finance). When you're in college, get involved through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer experiences that can introduce you to the world of law. Seek out mentors at any level (think law students, lawyers, professors, etc.), whether through school, family connections, or professional organizations, who can offer guidance and insights into the profession of law. But most importantly, keep learning, stay curious, and take every opportunity to develop your skills.

St. Joseph Academy has had an impact on us as parents in several ways. St. Joe’s commitment to high academic standards can provide our children with a strong educational foundation, preparing them for their future. As parents it gives us a peace of mind knowing that your child is receiving a quality education. As parents in SJA we appreciate the emphasis on values, ethics, and how the school works together as a community. St. Joe helped me as a student, ex-alumni and now as a parent. Helping us focus on moral and spiritual growth can help instill important life principles in our children, aligning with our own family values. Being part of the St. Joseph Academy community can offer you a community of supportive parents, teachers, and administrators. This sense of community can be reassuring and provide valuable resources and support for both parents and students. The wide range of extracurricular activities available can help our children develop new skills, interests, and friendships. Seeing my daughter thrive in various areas beyond academics can be incredibly rewarding as a parent. Watching my child grow into a well-rounded individual through her experience at St. Joe can be fulfilling. The school’s approach to education often encourages personal growth, leadership, and responsibility. St. Joseph Academy’s efforts to keep us parents informed and involved in our child’s education can make you feel more connected and engaged in their academic journey. Regular updates, meetings, and events can help you stay actively involved in your child’s progress. Overall, St. Joseph Academy’s impact on us as parents can be profound, providing assurance that your child is in a nurturing and academically rigorous environment that supports their overall development.

What I remember most fondly of my time at Saint Joe are the various opportunities I had to participate within my school community. Whether it was organizing masses and school retreats for CTM (Call To Ministry), preparing cultural festivals for the Spanish Honor Society or performing at school pep-rallies with the Sweethearts Dance Team, I always felt involved in my school and loved making memories with friends, teachers and classmates. Of the various courses and teachers I could speak of, the one most unique to my Saint Joe experience was Social Justice, taken during my junior year. Having the opportunity to learn about human rights, global citizenship, the Catholic Church's position as a social advocate, and the church's call for all humans to be social advocates truly expanded my understanding of the importance of universal human equality and dignity. Because of this class, I gained a new lens to analyze the world I live in, am more aware of our country's and world's social climate, and always strive to live my life as supporter of human rights. The student-teacher relationships made at Saint Joseph Academy set the school apart from the rest. The teachers strive to create a healthy environment for individualized learning opportunities that shape students for future endeavors, whether it be inside the classroom or outside in the greater community. I always felt they had my best interests at heart, challenged me to think critically, and taught me to always strive for more. I consider my former teachers to be some of the most influential people of my upbringing and I am very grateful to have studied under them during my time at Saint Joe.

My most memorable experience at St. Joe while I was a student revolved around the incredible friendships I built during those years that are still strong today. It is those friends that have been with me through some tough as well as great times in my life. What a memorable gift.

My favorite academic experience(s) at St. Joe centered around the life lessons that Coach Garza so graciously bestowed upon us, the bellowing of Mr. Rosas to “find the home row” in typing class, the Longhorn/Celtic fanatic History teacher we found in Coach Hickson, and the infectious smile and patience showered upon us in AP Physics when we didn’t understand by Brother Paul.

The thing that makes St. Joe different from other schools is the sense of family and camaraderie infused in the environment surrounded by the comfort and emphasis found in its religious component. You are not going to find that in other schools in the area. 

I chose St. Joe for my kids due to all the reasons mentioned above and more. Besides that they are part of a legacy in our family that attended St. Joe. From my uncle, to all my siblings, to their mom and her siblings…. St. Joe has been a big part of our lives and a firm foundation from which to step off from when looking to go out into the world and do something amazing.