In this Article
- What is the most rewarding aspect of your role with Baker Botts?
- What do you want to teach your kids about serving their community?
- If you weren’t an attorney, what career would you like to pursue?
- How were you introduced to Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation, and what impact do you hope to make?
Patent attorney
In this Article
- What is the most rewarding aspect of your role with Baker Botts?
- What do you want to teach your kids about serving their community?
- If you weren’t an attorney, what career would you like to pursue?
- How were you introduced to Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation, and what impact do you hope to make?
Christa Brown-Sanford knew she wanted to be a patent attorney since she was 12, inspired by Claire Huxtable from The Cosby Show, and has built a successful career while also prioritizing her family and volunteer work. She attended Rice University for electrical engineering and completed law school at Southern Methodist University. After beginning her career at Baker Botts, she joined the Junior League of Dallas to have a volunteer outlet and served as its president during its centennial year.
Christa’s career and volunteer work are closely intertwined, each enhancing her impact on her community and her profession. She is deeply committed to philanthropic causes in Dallas, currently serving on the boards for New Friends New Life and Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation, and advises her three children—ages 17, 15 and 12—and young attorneys to help make a positive difference in the city.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role with Baker Botts?
I love getting to see an inventor receive a patent and knowing that I’ve helped create this valuable asset for them. As I’ve progressed in my career and am now in leadership roles at the firm, I am driven by being able to create opportunities for others and helping to create a more diverse environment at the firm and within the legal industry.
What do you want to teach your kids about serving their community?
To whom much is given, much is required. We are so blessed as a family, and it is incumbent upon us to serve others. We’re also an African American family, and I want my kids to understand many people we serve in our volunteer capacity are too. It’s important for those we serve to see someone they can relate to in a different way.
If you weren’t an attorney, what career would you like to pursue?
I would be an architect or home builder. In my spare time, my husband and I build homes. We are now living in our third project and are finishing up a home for my parents two blocks from our house. This is really special because my mom has Parkinson’s disease and this house is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, so she’ll be able to get around the house more easily.
How were you introduced to Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation, and what impact do you hope to make?
My three kids were born at Baylor University Medical Center, and my doctors are here. It was a natural transition for me to join the Foundation board.
The research, resources and programs that BSW has spearheaded to help women with breast cancer drew me here. I had attended a Celebrating Women Luncheon before joining the board, and that’s how I learned about BSW’s work to advance the fight against breast cancer. I continue to learn how BSW stands heads above in this area—to help not only women who are facing a breast cancer diagnosis, but also their families. This aligns with my desire to be involved with programs that support women and children.
To learn more about any Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation initiative, contact the Foundation at 214.820.3136 or email DallasFoundation@BSWHealth.org.
