New Ulm Lawyers

We Have a History of Winning trials! We are different from other criminal defense firms because of the stellar record of success of Paul Looney who has tried 60 criminal defense jury trials since 1995 with ZERO final convictions.

We have a very high success rate when it comes to preventing criminal accusations from turning into formal charges as well as shutting down criminal investigations. We are able to do this because we move quickly, and never stop working.

With us on your side, you are not alone. You have effective support throughout the entire process...

With over 15 years of exclusive practice in family law, Robin W. Klein has achieved Board Certification in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction only attained by 1% of family lawyers in Texas. Additionally, she is trained in mediation. As a single mother of two grown children, Robin empathizes with her clients' challenges when facing emotionally charged issues related to children, divorce, and financial struggles. Her passion for helping people and her expertise allow her to guide clients through the legal process and make decisions that benefit their families now and in the future. Robin's dedication...

As a Houston Native, Fiza Syed witnessed early on the snowball effect poor legal representation can have when she volunteered at local legal justice clinics. Early on, she knew she wanted to pursue a law career. After college graduation, Ms. Syed interned at the Attorney General Child Support Division to better understand family legal matters. She then moved to Dallas to complete law school at SMU Dedman School of Law.

During law school, she interned and clerked at various law firms in order to obtain real life experience in criminal, family and business law. While in law school, she...

Masah S. SamForay, has earned national recognition as a force for her clients. Beyond being recognized as a Top 100 Lawyer, Masah SamForay knows the concerns of clients, intimately. She is a divorcee and working mother who understands what it means to fight for her family during a difficult divorce.

Atty. SamForay is a Co-Founder and Past-President of the Black Bar Association of Will County. She is a member of the Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago, Inc. and served on the 2017-2018 Board and as the Co-Chair of the Small and Solo Firm Committee from 2013-2016. She is a...

Alex Hunt is a trusted family lawyer with experience in a wide range of family law matters, including complex child custody disputes, high-asset property divisions and divorces, and enforcements and modifications of existing court orders. He prides himself on providing ethical, responsive representation to all of his clients. His goal is to always ensure clients' rights and assets are protected, while keeping costs low and stress at a minimum. Alex's goal is to always provide client-focused representation. He is passionate about protecting important assets and rights. Clients will receive sound counsel that guides them through the legal process and helps...

Yanine Krohn is an attorney who has been practicing civil litigation in the Greater Houston area for over 8 years. Yanine has successfully represented clients in both jury and bench trials involving various complex litigation matters. Yanine has experience with all phases of litigation, including case evaluation, legal research, case management, discovery, oral depositions, mediations, settlement negotiations, arbitrations, and trial. In addition to her trial work, Yanine has successfully litigated matters before the Texas First and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals. Despite the varied complexity of issues that may arise, Yanine’s goal is always the same – to navigate clients through their...

Georgia Barker was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and has lived in Houston for most of her life. She attended the University of Texas at Austin and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. In her graduating class at UT Austin, there were 101 men and only 3 women. Ms. Barker earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tulsa, College of Law and was a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. She was admitted to the Oklahoma State Bar and the following year admitted to the Texas State Bar. She is also admitted to practice in the United...

I have experience working both sides of the docket. I worked for an insurance company and gained inside knowledge on how the other side evaluates claims, and what make a strong case for plaintiffs. I specialize in auto, motorcycle, and trucking accidents. I am Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, was selected as a Rising Star by Texas Monthly’s Super Lawyers Magazine, and am one of H Magazine’s Top Lawyers for the People.

Caitlin is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an accomplishment that only 1% of the family lawyers in Texas have achieved. Caitlin has been a dedicated member of Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers for 10 years. She joined the firm as the first Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers law clerk in May 2013 when the firm consisted of 2 lawyers. Caitlin had the benefit of developing her skill set directly under Mr. Skillern. He made sure she would be ready to hit the ground running the day she got her...

John Schmude is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in family law. As a former Presiding Judge of the 247th Family District Court of Harris County, Texas, he disposed of more than 13,000 cases in every area of family law, including complex divorce cases, modifications, custody actions, adoptions, paternity suits and enforcements. While on the bench, he presided over more than 400 contested family law bench trials, numerous jury trials and thousands of hearings in every area of family law.

Prior to his election to the Bench, John Schmude served as the President of Schmude...

Shane fearlessly and compassionately pursues helping injured people by giving them the personalized representation and attention they deserve. The Law Office of Shane McClelland helps injured people recover damages and settlements for their personal injury cases across Texas, Colorado, and Nebraska. If you need an experienced trial lawyer, call (713) 242-1302 or visit his website at hmtrial.com. PERSONAL INJURY LAW - When you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, don’t settle for less than what you are owed. Know your legal rights and what they are worth. An experienced and aggressive trial lawyer on your side can make all the...

Beth A. Serafini-Smith is a distinguished graduate of Purdue University and a graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law. She is a member of both the Katy Bar Association and the Fort Bend County Bar Association. Beth began her law career in the field of Creditor/Debtor law after being admitted to the Indiana Bar in 1997. She provided direct support to several Fortune 500 companies and handled all matters associated with securing outstanding funds for her clients. Beth moved to Texas with her family in 2005, and she passed the Texas Bar Exam in 2009. As a means to further enhance her...

Johnny Garza has been a Partner with Adame Garza since 2011, working exclusively with injury victims. Johnny has achieved multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients with his sincere passion for helping families get their lives back on track and for helping right the wrongs of others.

Johnny has worked in the legal field since 1999, working at several top law firms in the region. He began his career successfully defending Fortune 500 companies domestically and internationally in personal injury litigation, insurance coverage litigation, and more at Royston Rayzor. He joined Abraham Watkins, one of the oldest and most prominent...

I have handled maritime injury cases for over two decades. I have tried injury cases in courtrooms throughout the United States under the Jones Act, General Maritime Law and seaman’s wage claim law, as well as general personal injury cases. I am an expert on maritime piracy cases and Longshore claims. We accept cases on referral.

University of Oklahoma law graduate Doctorate of Jurisprudence in 1977. Practicing over 40 years in Harris County/Fort Bend County, Texas.

Areas of practice: Wrongful death, Personal Injury, Truck and automobile accident cases and medical mal-practice cases (Just this year settled a case against a behavioral hospital for three million dollars ($3,000,000.00) anywhere in the State of Texas. Dealing with Insurance companies in Texas is difficult as they are dishonest and getting money from them takes hard/dedicated work.

Our law firm has two board certified personal injury attorneys and one board certified labor law attorney. We are capable...

Cynthia Huerta is a tenacious fighter. For over a decade, she defended insurance companies and trucking companies in court. She knows their tactics and strategies inside out, which gives her an edge when fighting for her clients’ rights. In 2012, Cynthia followed her conscious and began working for injured people. She has successfully helped many of them achieve victory and full compensation against large corporations. Her experience and knowledge are unparalleled, making her one of the most sought-after personal injury lawyers in the country. Cynthia Huerta is a tenacious personal injury lawyer who aggressively protects her clients’ interests. She provides first-class legal...

I began practicing law in 1964, and over the years, I have represented local seaman’s unions, the National Maritime Union, individual foreign seaman throughout the world, the Indian Seaman’s Union, the Pakistani Seaman’s Union and more. I have assisted thousands of clients. I have received the highest civilian award from the United States Coast Guard, I have been selected as a Texas Super Lawyer multiple years, I served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, I served as the Board Chairman of METRO, and I have been voted one of Houston's Top Lawyers for the...

The Law Office of Wesley T. Keng, P.C., represents citizens in Giddings, Texas and the surrounding counties and communities. Wesley Keng has over twenty years experience in Texas, and over fifteen years in the Lee County area. Whether you are a citizen accused of a crime or needing to update your will: Wesley T. Keng represents your interests and advocates for you. At the Law Office of Wesley T. Keng, we provide the counsel and information you need to deal with your situation as quickly and effectively as possible. We know the law and understand...

Bri is a licensed attorney in both the states of Tennessee and Texas, practicing family law. She is a Houston native who graduated from Baylor University, in Waco, Texas, and Belmont University College of Law, in Nashville, Tennessee. Bri practices at Hunt Law Firm, P.L.L.C. in Katy, Texas. Prior to joining the firm, Bri served as a Law Clerk and Associate Attorney for a family law firm in Greater Houston. Bri is a compassionate listener, taking the time necessary to discuss her client’s needs. Bri has the ability to connect with clients on a personal level while educating her clients about...

I have been a lawyer for over 23 years. I first represented the other side of the docket for large corporate clients. I joined this firm over 15 years ago and began my life's work of representing working men and women. I am one of a small percentage of Texas lawyers who is Board Certified as a Personal Injury Trial Lawyer by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I am also a past chairman of The Texas State Bar’s Grievance Committee for District 4C. I have been named a Texas Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly Magazine, an honor shared...

Laura De La Cruz is the newest attorney at Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris. She joined the firm in 2010 and worked as a legal assistant for managing partner, Matthew Shaffer, until she became licensed to practice law. Laura is an excellent lawyer and has a passion for helping others. Laura believes that the law is meant to serve individuals and their families. Her practice focuses on advocating for injured workers in maritime and other work accidents across the country. She is proud of her experience with the firm, which has given her the knowledge and practical skills to see...

Frank J. Vendt, Jr., has been meaningfully involved with people that work all types of jobs, people that have various social statuses, and people that live with many different issues. This led him to practice family law.

We have all heard that “nothing takes the place of experience.” Mr. Vendt has been through a divorce himself and has shared custody of his child. He is a Richmond divorce lawyer who understands the battles one faces when it is time to end a marriage (money, children, reputation, failure, et cetera).

Outside of law, Mr. Vendt spends time with his family and in the...

Kevin M. Jones & Associates is a general practice law firm focused on the needs of small businesses and the individuals who run them. We are highly experienced in the specialized area of Intellectual Property concerns as well as contract negotiation and drafting. We aid and guide our clients in securing Intellectual Property (IP) protection, forming business structures to leverage their IP, brand their business and product lines, and handling contracts for sales, marketing and manufacturing of their products.

Tina is passionate about advocacy. Her approach to family law matters is responsive, straightforward and client-focused. Tina possesses all the sincere language, confidence, and zeal you would expect from a litigator raised in a strong Italian family. She deploys these traits at maximum effect. Clients love Tina because she is confident and efficient. She is a family law litigator with an impressive range of experience and knowledge. Tina’s interest in family law and advocacy began during her studies at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where she received a Master of Science degree in education. This master’s program focused on educational policy...

Professional Law Background B.A., University of Houston, 1972 J.D., South Texas College of Law, 1975 Admitted to the bar of Texas, 1975 Admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; and the U.S. District Court for the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas State Bar of Texas Texas State Bar College The College of Master Advocates and Barristers, Senior Counsel American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Sustaining Lawyer, President’s Club, (Leaders Forum 2003-2008), (National Finance Council, Justice List Committee 2007-2008), (National College of Trial Advocacy Civil and Criminal ; American College of Barristers, Senior Counsel;...

Rukhsanda Melissa Masoom grew up in Queens, New York before finding her way to Deer Park, Texas, where she attended school. She went on to attend Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Melissa decided to equip herself with the tools necessary to affect social change and seek justice for those in need of help. She matriculated at New England School of Law in Boston, before returning to Houston, her true home. After law school, Melissa has amassed extensive courtroom experience, with a focus on a variety of practice areas, including family law, mass tort litigation and personal injury. She has volunteered...

Margaret is a family law attorney, passionate about helping her clients shape their future. She understands that when someone hires an attorney, it can be a daunting and emotional experience. Margaret takes the time to explain the process, listen to the client, and then guides them in finding the best possible outcome. As a trained mediator, Margaret has successfully used her powerful negotiation skills to reach strong resolutions outside the courtroom. Mindful that a settlement outside of trial is not always possible, she has experience zealously advocating for her clients in the courtroom to achieve the desired results.

After graduating from...

Mr. Brashear's legal career began with a tour aboard the U.S.S. Philippine Sea (CG58). While aboard this U.S. Naval vessel, he defended the United States while visiting and taking in the cultural values of many other countries such as Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Italy and Greece. After completing his tour aboard U.S.S. Philippine Sea (CG58), Mr. Brashear had the pleasure of working with the Navy Legal Service Office Southeast Jacksonville, Florida; where he processed claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act. While in Jacksonville, he was also stationed with the Trial Service Office Southeast where he...

Serving Texas families in Special Education, Guardianship, and Special Needs Planning.

Professional Summary
Experienced appellate and criminal defense counsel with accomplished background in State and Federal litigation. Over twenty years of experience in both whitecollar and blue-collar cases ranging from State misdemeanors to Federal felonies.

Education
University of Texas School of Law,
J.D., cum laude – 1995

Academic Publications
Yes: Juries Can and Should Correct the Overly Broad use of Criminal
Sanctions, in W.R. Palacios, P.F. Cromwell, R.G. Dunham, ed., Crime and Justice in America: Present Realities and Future Prospects, Prentice Hall,
2002

Jury Nullification: The Evolution of a Doctrine (Carolina Academic Press, 1998) 334 pages.

Professional...

Gabriel Gonzalez is the newest attorney to join the team at Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris. Gabriel joined the firm back in January of 2016 working as a Law Clerk and began his career as a personal injury attorney in 2017. He graduated from South Texas College of Law with honors and is a member of the American Bar Association and the Houston Young Lawyers Association. Gabriel has always been interested in helping others and decided to become a personal injury lawyer because he knows that victims need someone on their side who will fight for them. Gabriel is a...

Sherlyn ("Sherry") Smith has fought and advocated for the rights of others for more than 20 years. Prior to embarking upon her legal career, attorney Smith was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specialized in DCFS involved families and mental health issues. Observing the nexus between individual legal and family problems, she concentrated her legal practice on family law, probate/guardianship, and family-based/humanitarian immigration law. She truly cares for her clients and works to help them really move forward once their cases are finished.

Deeply rooted in her beloved Chicago, attorney Smith is the proud graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana...

Miguel Adame founded his own law firm in 2005, partnering with Johnny Garza in 2011. Adame Garza’s primary focus since its inception has been securing financial compensation for those injured or killed by the negligence of others. Miguel prides himself in being able to represent both English and Spanish-speaking clients from the beginning of a claim throughout litigation.

Miguel graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 2000. He earned his law degree from the South Texas College of Law Houston in 2003. He is admitted to practice in all Texas state courts...

Sarah Springer began her career in law in 1980 after earning her J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law. In her many years of practice, Sarah has worked as a litigator, mediator, and judge. She served as the state district judge in Mississippi where she covered family law and probate cases, as well as juvenile crime cases. After this, she moved to Katy, Texas and continued to dedicate to herself to clients as a skilled family law attorney – with her experience behind the bench serving as a valuable resource for her clients.

Sarah practices all aspects of...

Originally from California, Erik M. Locascio moved to the Houston area in 1997, where he attended Clements High School in Sugar Land. After graduating, he attended The University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 2007 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Erik then began law school at the University of Houston Law Center, eventually graduating in May of 2011. After studying for and taking the Texas bar exam, Erik was admitted to practice law in November of 2011. In 2012, Erik accepted a prosecutor position at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, where he handled hundreds of cases, both...

Prior to joining Hunt Law Firm, Mia graduated in the top five percent of her class, earning summa cum laude from South Texas College of Law after graduating with honors from Texas A&M University.

Mia is passionate about family law because of the client-focused assistance she can offer families during a time of need. She understands every case is different and focuses on working with her clients to achieve the best possible outcome together. As an attorney, Mia believes it is most important to effectively communicate and be prepared.

Previously, Mia worked as an attorney at a family law firm in Houston....