I don't think it's affirmative action.
I think it's classic schmoozing and butt kissing to get to the top.
She may be a good lawyer, but if you look at the stands she's taken...there haven't really been any. She's put herself in a position to be heard without really saying anything. Her writings as the head of the texas state bar show that very well.
She spends 1000 words or so writing fluff about a subject but never really taking a stand either way. It's busywork to get peoples attention on you. But nothing is ever really said, because if she took a stand, somebody might get upset and hurt her career path.
It's a classic career climber at work.
butt kissing. good phrase, I should have used that.