I was born in El Paso, Texas, but my family moved to San Antonio when I was a child. My mother, a naturalized citizen from Chihuahua, Mexico, raised four children by herself, working several jobs to help put all four of us through Catholic school. I was blessed to attend Central Catholic High School and continued my education at the University of Texas at Austin, working my way to help pay for my education through both institutions. After graduating from Texas, I was accepted to the Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana, where I achieved a certification in Environmental Law and worked as a student-attorney at the prestigious Tulane Environmental Law Clinic.
Once I graduated from law school, I knew that there was only one city where I wanted to live and raise a family: San Antonio. I returned home and concentrated my practice on litigation and trial work, representing the people and small businesses of San Antonio and South Texas. I have litigated hundreds of cases, ranging from personal injury to contracts to commercial cases. I further continued my education in the legal field and became a certified mediator through the University of Texas at Austin School of Law.
Shortly after returning home, I married my wonderful wife, Lori, whom I have been married to for 10 years. We were also blessed with our daughter, Paloma, my most enthusiastic supporter.
A key part to my campaign will be my 12 years of litigation experience and trial work. I enjoy a fine reputation in the legal community, especially among the litigators on both sides of the docket, and I am proud to be considered as one of the best trial attorneys in San Antonio. Furthermore, as a mediator, I help other parties resolve their issues by avoiding unnecessary litigation and without having to resort to trial. I have further had the honor of being appointed by the Bexar County Judges as a Guardian Ad Litem to children in over 50 cases, assisting the courts in ensuring that the best interests of the children are met in civil cases.
My litigation and mediation experience make me uniquely qualified for the duties of the 73rd District Court, which is first and foremost a trial court. Through the years of practicing litigation, I have learned from the great judges of San Antonio and South Texas the proper and fair manner to dispense equal justice, as well as the temperament required of a trial judge. My mediation practice has also allowed me to view cases from all angles and sides of the docket and further trained me in the practice of negotiation and compromise.
I would be honored to serve the Bexar County community as the judge of the 73rd District Court and I humbly ask for your support and your vote.
Education
• Central Catholic High School-San Antonio (1988)
• B.A., English, University of Texas at Austin (1994)
* Minor in Mexican-American Studies
• J.D., University of Tulane School of Law (1997)
* Achieved certification in Environmental Law
• Mediation Certification, University of Texas Law School (2007)
Professional Associations
• American Board of Trial Advocates
• San Antonio Bar Association
• San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association
• Texas Trial Lawyers Association
• Mexican American Bar Association
Professional and Community Involvement
• Vice President of Public Affairs for San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association (2006-2010)
• Board of Directors for San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association (2004-Present)
• ACTS Team Member for San Antonio Catholic Archdiocese (2000-2006)
• Member of Texas Trial Lawyers Association Committee on Diversity (2005-Present)
• Board of Directors for SBC Branch of the YMCA (2002-2003)
• Board of Directors for Providence Catholic High School (2001-2002)
• Member of San Antonio Bar Association Law School Committee (2000-2001)
• Member of the Environmental Law Clinic of Tulane Law School (1996-1997)
Professional Presentations to Attorneys
• Continuing Legal Education Presenter: “Tips for Presenting Your Case at Mediation”; SATLA CLE 2009
• Continuing Legal Education Presenter: “Liquor Liability Litigation”; SATLA CLE 2008
• Continuing Legal Education Presenter: “Maximizing Your Firm and Client’s Potential”; Texas Minority Attorney Program CLE 2008
Languages
• Fluent in Spanish