Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Texas Border Business
When the results were finally released, Erick Franco could hardly believe what he was reading — he had passed the bar exam. “I was in complete shock,” he said. “It felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It was a special moment that still feels like a dream to me.” The first thing he did was tell his parents. “Words can’t describe how amazing it felt to tell my parents that I had passed, especially knowing how much this meant to them, like it did to me.” Shortly after, he went to church to thank God for answering his prayers.
Reflecting on his journey, Franco said that his path to becoming an attorney was one he never expected to take. “At some point during law school, I began reflecting on how God placed me on this path, when it was something that I had never imagined would be possible,” he explained. “I then started to appreciate what I had accomplished in the past, and what the future had in store for me.”
Franco credits much of his professional growth to the mentorship he received at the Zambrano Law Firm. “The mentorship that I received at Zambrano Law Firm was truly invaluable,” he said. “They constantly challenged me to grow and genuinely cared about my future. Their guidance made this journey easier, and I knew I could count on them for their support.” He added that he continues to learn from attorneys Jesse Zambrano and Edgar Garcia and works closely with Jorge Zambrano, who has served as his mentor throughout the process.
The journey to passing the bar exam was not without challenges. Franco acknowledged that the most difficult part was the mental pressure. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve come to understand is the mental battle I faced from the moment I started law school until the day I learned I had passed the bar,” he said. “I’ve always held myself to high standards, and at times, I allowed setbacks and inconveniences to discourage me.” Preparing for the bar exam required total dedication. “When I began studying for the bar, it felt as though I had become a different person, obsessed with studying and wanting to pass the Bar exam. For a long time, it felt as if my life was on hold until I achieved that goal.” He added that the sacrifices—missing special occasions and family events—were difficult but necessary. “Ultimately, I overcame those challenges by accepting that some things were beyond my control.”
Franco’s perseverance and faith became the foundation of his success. “I learned to focus on what I could control, even when I found myself worrying and overthinking about the future,” he said. “That’s when I had to trust myself and the process, and understand that being ready for the most critical exam wouldn’t happen overnight.”
Now an attorney, Franco is focused on giving back to the community that shaped him. “I want to be as involved in my community as possible,” he said. “I often think about the incredible potential the Valley has, and it inspires me to be part of that progress.” He hopes his story will inspire others, particularly young people pursuing higher education. “I want to motivate the younger generation to prioritize education and use it as a tool to create opportunities for themselves, just as it did for me.”
Franco’s work in personal injury law allows him to fulfill his passion for helping others. “Personal injury has allowed me to connect with clients in a way that aligns with my purpose,” he said. “I want to make a difference in their lives.” At the Zambrano Law Firm, he sees his role continuing to evolve as he grows in his profession. “I don’t limit myself because I am motivated and driven by a constant desire for self-growth,” he said. “Every day brings new learning opportunities, and by embracing challenges and learning from my mistakes, I look forward to reaching my full potential.”
Looking ahead, Franco remains committed to professional development and personal balance. “This profession offers many learning opportunities, and this is only the beginning,” he said. “I want to absorb as much as possible and figure out what works for me.” He added that he is learning to balance his professional responsibilities with his personal life. “I’ve also realized that this profession comes with a lot of unnecessary public scrutiny, and I’m learning to tune that out. I know I’m not perfect, but I aim to become a better human being.”
For aspiring attorneys, Franco offers clear advice: “Don’t let your negative thoughts prevent you from accomplishing everything you ever dreamed,” he said. “Adversity is inevitable, but what truly matters is how you overcome it. You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you try. There’s no such thing as failure, only opportunities to learn and grow.”
From his first day in law school to his first day as an attorney, Erick Franco’s journey has been guided by faith, resilience, and gratitude. As he steps into this new chapter, his focus remains on growth, service, and inspiring others to pursue their own goals — one day at a time. All courtesy photos.
