dreams of becoming a lawyer led him
to work his way through Weatherford
College. He graduated in 1931 and
earned his law degree in 1936 from
the University of Texas at Austin. He
returned to Parker County, immedi-
ately put up his shingle, and set the
foundation for the firm of Borden &
Westhoff.
One of the law firm’s proud-
est moments came in 1974 when
Westhoff arrived to join the practice,
having been licensed to practice law
that year. Westhoff obtained his law
degree from Texas Tech University.
The firm then became Borden, Hand,
Zellers & Westhoff.
A new breed of young business
owners had cropped up in Parker
County around that time and many
of them were working hard to estab-
lish their businesses. Westhoff was
someone tho se young business lead-
ers soon began to look to for help
when they had legal issues of almost
any kind, from business contracts to
divorces. Westhoff quickly went from
being Borden’s protégé to becoming
one of the firm’s greatest assets and a
legal force to be reckoned with.
Word spread quickly that
Westhoff was a dynamic attorney —
one that likes to win his cases and
works tirelessly to see that he does.
Some of the charitable projects
he’s supported include the Texas
Pythian Home and Weatherford ISD,
in various capacities, including the
Education Foundation Board.
Borden and Westhoff practiced
law together continuously from 1974
until Borden’s death in 2011, at the
age of 103.
Like Borden before him, Westhoff
continues to help the people of
Parker County, and that includes
Ric Williamson Energizing Parker County
Award — Chance Martin
28
Back in 2016, the oil industry crashed, leaving Chance Martin
without a job. He had worked for the same company for more
than eight years.
“I was devastated and unsure what would be my next move,
but the challenge turned into the greatest opportunity, as I was
able to start Hilltop Petroleum LLC,” Martin said.
Running his own business hasn’t been without its share of
difficulties, but Martin is proud of the work he does. “It has
challenged and intimidated me on a daily basis, but I love
figuring out how to make old wells function efficiently and
effectively,” he said.
A lifelong resident of Parker County, Martin admits to
having had many role models who are influential leaders of the
community and is grateful for the positive influence they have
had on his life, but he credits one person above all. “I have
been fortunate enough to have many inspiring role models in
my life. The one that has inspired me through his work ethic,
character and integrity would have to be my father,” he said.
Martin wants to be actively involved in giving back to the
community. “ … Parker County and its beautiful community
has always been my home and I want to make sure I give back
to her as much as possible. I always support local businesses,
both personally and professionally. I also attend many commu-
nity events and volunteer my time as much as possible to vari-
ous organizations.”
The kind of man who is most comfortable in jeans, boots
and a pearl-snap shirt, his favorite place is at his home along
the Clear Fork of the Trinity River. He is happiest “…when I am
hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends,”
Martin said.
mentoring talented young lawyers.
In 2014, Nicholas Harper joined
the firm, shortly after obtaining
his license to practice law. Harper
graduated from the United States
Naval Academy in Annapolis in
2003, and upon graduation, fulfilled
his military commitment through
service in the United States Marine
Corps. He served one tour of duty in
Afghanistan and achieved the rank of
captain before his discharge.
“Nick shares the same integrity,
honesty and drive of those who came
before him,” Westhoff said. “He has
become very involved in the commu-
nity.”
Under Westhoff’s leadership,
today, as in decades past, the firm of
Borden & Westhoff is known as the
standard bearer in the legal and busi-
ness community.