From the Texas Cotton Fields to the United States Tax Court: The Life Journey of Juan F. Vasquez

by Mary Theresa Vasquez, Anthony Head

Overview

The inspirational biography of Juan F. Vasquez, the first Hispanic American appointed to the United States Tax Court. The book depicts his journey surmounting numerous challenges such as poverty, manual labor, and discrimination. It explores his pursuit of education to build—with the support of family, friends, and mentors—a professional career serving family, community, taxpayers, and the tax system.
Judge Vasquez's story demonstrates that one can excel in the practice of tax law and serve the

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781641058209
Publisher:	American Bar Association
Publication date:	01/07/2021
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.42(w) x 9.42(h) x 0.65(d)

About the Author

Mary Theresa Vasquez is the author of Mi Mamacita Tiene Alzheimer's and is the wife of Juan F. Vasquez.

Anthony Head is a professional author of numerous books, including Spirit: The Life and Art,

Table of Contents

Foreword: Connecting the Stories vii

Note on Authorship xi

Note on the Manuscript xiii

Chapter 1 Early Movements 1

Chapter 2 Getting to Know Ones Mother 7

Chapter 3 The Cotton-Picking Days of Summer 11

Chapter 4 Early Education, Witness to History 21

Chapter 5 When Juan Met Terry 29

Chapter 6 The Long Road Home 37

Chapter 7 Private Practice, an Introduction to the Arts, and When the "Big One" Hit 51

Chapter 8 The Judgeship Journey 59

Chapter 9 Riding Circuit 71

Chapter 10 Legacy 83

Afterword: Reflections on Picking Cotton 93

Special Acknowledgment 97

Acknowledgments 99

Endnotes 103

Sources 111

Appendixes 115

In Memoriam 135

Discussion Guide 137

Photographs 139

Editorial Reviews

Should you think that tax lawyers are to the manner born, the story of Judge Juan Vasquez will disabuse you of that notion. Tax lawyers can come from the cotton fields, as Judge Vasquez’s story well illustrates, if there is determination and grit. That, along with his humanity and humility, make for a wonderful story.

Joan C. Arnold

From picking cotton to deciding cases as a Judge on the U.S. Tax Court, the story of Judge Juan Vasquez is told with both pride and humility. The Judge's tenacity and the importance of family, community, and opportunity come through loud and clear, providing both testimony and inspiration.

Alice G. Abreu

Judge Vasquez’s journey to one of the most esteemed positions in the practice of tax is an inspiring example of defining your own path through hard work, perseverance, and persistence in the face of adversity.

Lany L. Villalobos

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