Posted March 15, 2016 by Editorial Staff in Photo

[PROFILE] In 25 Words or Less: Andrew Houston (Organization Leader: Legal)

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In 25 Words or Less

Posted: March 15, 2016
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ORGANIZATION LEADER | CHARLES HOUSTON BAR ASSOCIATION (CHBA)

THE BASICS

Name: Andrew Houston • Nickname: Drew
Age: 30s • Status: Single • Kids: No
Place of Birth: Berkeley, CA • Raised: The Bay
Professional Background: Andrew is currently a Staff Attorney at the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Office of the General Counsel where he handles a variety of matters, with particular emphasis on public contracts involving construction, procurement and services.
What achievement or position are you most known for? Charles Houston Bar Association President
Contact/Follow: Website • Email • Facebook • LinkedIn
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25 WORDS OR LESS: WORK

Job(s) held that is most unlike what I currently do now: Round Table Pizza Supervisor
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Field: Nonprofit, Legal
Yrs of Experience: Five years on the Board Directors and the past four months as President.
Title: President
Term Expiration: December 2016
Organization: Charles Houston Bar Association (CHBA) • Oakland, CA
What it does and what I do: CHBA is comprised of lawyers, judges, and law students throughout California, CHBA maintains its legacy by working to address the unique challenges facing the African American community. As President I facilitate all the various activities CHBA is involved with.
Current Big Project: Our critical mission this year is to lay the foundation to increase the number of black lawyers.
Staffing/Resource Needs: CHBA has an “Arc of Justice” summer fellowship which helps increase the number of law students of color who pursue careers in public interest law.
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Field: Legal
Title: Attorney
Yrs of Experience: 9
Company: BART – Oakland, CA
What it does and what I do: Provides regional rail service in the San Francisco Bay Area. Responsible for legal support and advice for staff.
Current Big Project: Silicon Valley BART extension.
Staffing/Resource Needs: BART Legal offers internships in the summer, fall and spring for law students to learn about government law practice.
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Additional Positions: Past Position: Contracts Compliance Officer, City and County of San Francisco Human Rights Commission.

Additional Organizations: East Oakland Church of Christ
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25 WORDS OR LESS: PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Significant Challenge: Learning how to take on more responsibility and grow in a career.
Significant Mistake/Regret: Not traveling more before I started in the legal profession.
Significant Accomplishment: 2015 National Bar Association 40 Under 40 Award Recipient • 53rd Annual Foothill College Commencement Speaker
Biggest Strength(s): Good Communicator.
Biggest Weakness(es): I am very critical of my own work.
Career Advice: It’s not what you know, it’s who you know!
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25 WORDS OR LESS: PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

Significant Challenge: Work–life balance.
Significant Accomplishment: Being the first in my family to graduate from college.
Life Advice: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Trait(s) most admired in others: Boldness, Humility, Good Manners and Generosity.
Some causes/organizations I support: Education Equality.
Some of my most-admired people (excluding parents): My JC Counselor Jean Thomas and my Preacher Carl Brinkley.
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25 WORDS OR LESS: LIFESTYLE

Hours of “personal” downtime/week: 14
Favorite activity(s) in my personal downtime: Playing Basketball.
Some of my favorite local hangouts: O.Co for Warriors games, 24 Hour Fitness Oakland Basketball Court and my Grandmas House.
Some of my favorite TV shows: Good Times, Sanford & Son and The Jeffersons.
What news outlets or media sources do you most rely on?: ESPN.com
Favorite Vacation Spot(s): Cuba.
Place(s) I would like to visit: Iran
Favorite Pastime/Hobby(s): Long Drives.
Favorite Book(s): A Fine Balance, Killing the Messenger and A Different Mirror.
Something about me that may surprise you: I was a VERY “chubby” kid.
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Related Articles • Alumni Win Big in NBA’s 40 under 40 Awards • Foothill alum receives bar association award