Amber Miller is a partner with Crenshaw, Dupree & Milam, LLC. in Lubbock, TX. Her Speaker Series presentation gave attendees a practical look at the practice of Agricultural Law, as well as general expectations for the practice of law. Her rich experience in agricultural policy and legal practice in the field gave students a unique glimpse into the true potential that this field of law has to offer, as well as the “climb ahead” for incoming attorneys.
Prior to law school, Miller received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Texas Tech University and her Master of Science in Meat Science from Colorado State University. This strong foundation in agricultural science, combined with her own experiences on her family’s farm, provided a rich background for her future practice in agricultural law. Her understanding of the industry from a foundational and local perspective has enriched her practice of law.
Throughout the presentation, Miller highlighted the wide breadth of legal issues she has encountered during her practice in agricultural law. From property rights and energy development to first amendment considerations and immigration, the scope of agricultural law is broader than many would consider. The fast-paced environment and variety of rewarding cases and contacts found through her work has allowed Miller to truly invest her passion into her practice.
Miller’s presentation also focused on the more interpersonal aspects of the practice of law. As a strong believer in staying true to one’s principles, Miller shared the importance of taking the time to check in with yourself and your values in a notoriously fast-paced environment. In the same vein, much of the presentation focused on how practicing soft social skills can be the cornerstone of successful practice. Civility in and out of the legal environment, although not directly regulated by the professional rules of conduct, lays the foundation of a successful legal practice.
Miller encourages young and future lawyers to consider their values and goals going into the legal field. She encourages those looking into a particular career to reach out to those in their field of interest and to keep personability in mind when developing relationships.