We recently sat down with AYLA member Melissa Pina to feature in our Member Spotlight.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your law practice.
I litigated for six years both in private practice and with a non-profit prior to finding my calling in trust and estate administration. Although I am not technically practicing anymore, I use my J.D. to serve families as a corporate fiduciary with Cadence Bank. Some of our responsibilities include settling estates and trusts when we are named as a fiduciary. In those situations, we gather assets, file tax returns, dispose of property, and distribute assets in accordance with the terms of the governing instrument (among other things). A large portion of my work also includes the administration of trusts for individuals with special needs. In those cases, strict adherence to state and federal laws and regulations must be given in order to ensure that the beneficiary’s government benefits are not impacted by the existence of the trust or the actions we take in administering it. This work often involves research, home visits, communication with and educating families, connecting families to resources such as case managers and organizations to maximize public benefits, overseeing tax preparation, real estate purchases, and monitoring accounts to ensure we are effectively managing assets through investing and budgeting.
When I am not administering trusts or settling estates, you can find me spending time with my husband and two little ones, visiting Austin trails and restaurants, or volunteering with Marbridge Foundation.
How long have you been involved in AYLA and what has been your best AYLA experience so far?
I joined AYLA at the end of 2021 after I moved to Austin from Houston and started working for Cadence Bank. I have most enjoyed connecting and building friendships with folks through the different AYLA events like swimming at Barton Springs, having my son participate with me at the PlayStreet Sunset Valley, or attending the monthly Docket Calls.
What was your childhood dream job?
I dreamt of becoming a zoologist who specifically studied the Lagomorpha animal family (rabbits, hares, and pikas). I felt like I made my 10-year-old self proud a couple of years ago when I climbed on the side of a mountain in the Rocky Mountain National Park to see pikas in person for the first time.
What are some of things you enjoy most about living in Austin?
Austin is so beautiful! I have enjoyed exploring hiking trails. I also love spending more time with local friends and family.
What’s your best piece of advice for young attorneys?
Be yourself and talk yourself up. Everyone has their own special strengths or “superpowers” that benefit the world, and you may find a career path you love by exploring that more. Life is too short to be miserable.