David Van Os
Bio
- About this Writer
Proven leader and human rights activist, David Van Os continues each and every day to stand up for the people of Texas:
Biographical Information
Born: February 19, 1950, Kilgore, Texas
Age: 56
Current Residence: San Antonio
Occupation: Attorney; Owner of the law firm of David Van Os & Associates, P.C.
Parents: Seymour and Francene Van Os, of Tyler, Texas
Spouse: Rachel Barrios-Van Os, a native of San Antonio
Son and Daughters: B.J., age 22; Kay, age 21; Maya, age 10; Leya, age 9Legal Employment Summary
* Law Clerk for Clinton & Richards, Austin, 1973-1976
* Assistant Counsel, National Treasury Employees Union, Austin, 1976-1978
* Associate, Law Office of David R. Richards, Austin, 1978-1981
* In-House District Counsel, Communications Workers of America, Austin, 1981-1984
* General Counsel, Texas AFL-CIO, 1983-1989
* Owner and Senior Attorney, David Van Os & Associates, San Antonio Texas, firm of four attorneys concentrating in Constitutional law, labor law, and civil rights, 1984-present
Accomplishments
To David’s fighting spirit are added the talents and experience of a distinguished professional. He received his license as an attorney from the Texas Supreme Court in 1976.
Since then, he has also been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and every United States District Court in Texas. David has broad experience in federal appeals courts, state appeals courts, federal and state trial courts, and as a sought-after advisor and counselor.
His accomplishments as an attorney have brought him esteemed recognition such as the following:
* Named one of Texas’ Super Lawyers by Texas Monthly in 2003, 2004, and 2005
* Named in Best Lawyers in America since 1986, by survey of fellow attorneys
* Rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible evaluation in legal ability and professional ethics, by survey of fellow attorneys
* Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
* Member, College of the State Bar of Texas
Educational Background
* National Honor Society and National Merit Finalist, Kilgore High School
* Attended University of Texas at Austin on scholastic General Motors Scholarship, 1968-1972; Graduated UT With Honors, May 1972
* Selected University of Texas Junior Fellow, 1970
* Entered University of Texas Law School with academic scholarship, 1973; Graduated with J.D. Degree, 1976
* Honored with Human Rights Research Council Distinguished Research & Writing Award, UT Law School, 1974
Active Citizen of Democracy:
David believes that citizen involvement is essential for the maintenance of self-governing democracy. For this reason he has always participated in the activities of his party and the political processes.
* Attended every Texas State Democratic Convention since 1974
* President, Northeast Austin Democrats, 1978-1980
* Democratic Precinct Chairman #132, Travis County, 1981-1988
* County Democratic Chairman, Travis County, 1996-1998
* Chairman, North East Bexar County Democrats, 2000-2003
* Democratic Precinct Chairman #4112, Bexar County, 2001-2003
* Ran in General Elections as Democratic candidate for Texas Supreme Court, 1998 and 2004
* Recipient of the 2005 Spine Award by the Backbone Campaign
Walking the Walk
* Honored with President’s Citation for Achievement in Civil Rights, NAACP, 1990
* Served on Board of Directors and as Assistant Treasurer, Texas Equal Access to Justice Foundation, by appointment of the Texas Supreme Court, 1985-1995
* Named Civil Libertarian of the Year, Central Texas ACLU, 1990
* Honored with Good Guy recognition by Texas Women’s Political Caucus, 2002
* Life Member, NAACP Member and Legal Panelist, American Civil Liberties Union
* Member, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement
History
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