​Based in Austin, Texas, Terrazas PLLC tries complex commercial cases in state and federal courts and arbitration tribunals across the country, and represents clients in appellate courts, up to and including the United States Supreme Court. We have won for plaintiffs and defendants in cases where millions of dollars are at stake, and more importantly, where reputations are threatened and businesses are on the line. As Senior Counsel, I represent clients of all sizes in high stakes civil litigation. The scope of my practice includes employment, investigations, civil rights claims, and commercial litigation.

Provided representation for all state law enforcement agencies, their officials and employees in civil lawsuits brought against them in their official capacities or individually in the course of their employment with a particular focus on complex litigation matters and institutional reform cases. Among the agencies represented were the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, component divisions of the criminal justice system, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and police departments of state universities, and medical professionals employed by state universities who treat individuals who are confined in state custody. Also provided representation to employees who serve as adult probation and juvenile probation officers for the state.

General Litigation Division.∙ Worked closely with the Division Chief in the managerial and administrative responsibilities involved in overseeing the General Litigation Division;∙ Represented state agencies and officials in defense of lawsuits involving claims of discrimination, retaliation, constitutional right violations, as well as challenges to the constitutionality of state statutes in both State and Federal Court;∙ Conducted investigations, performed legal research, and prepared complex motions, including pleadings, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents;∙ Prepared and tried cases in State and Federal courts in defense of state agencies and state employees;∙ Performed analyses of complex factual and legal issues and develops evidence through witness interviews, depositions, and other discovery;∙ Provided legal advice, counsel, and assistance to client state agencies; and∙ Wrote and filed briefs in State and Federal appellate courts.

General Litigation Division.∙ Represented state agencies and officials in defense of lawsuits involving claims of discrimination, retaliation, constitutional right violations, as well as challenges to the constitutionality of state statutes in both State and Federal Court;∙ Conducted investigations, performed legal research, and prepared complex motions, including pleadings, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents;∙ Prepared and tried cases in State and Federal courts in defense of state agencies and state employees;∙ Performed analyses of complex factual and legal issues and develops evidence through witness interviews, depositions, and other discovery;∙ Provided legal advice, counsel, and assistance to client state agencies;∙ Prepared and filed briefs in State and Federal appellate courts; and∙ Supervised and supported a talented team of lawyers.

Law Enforcement Defense Division.Provided representation for all state law enforcement agencies, their officials and employees in civil lawsuits brought against them in their official capacities or in the course of their employment. Among the agencies represented were the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, component divisions of the criminal justice system, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and police departments of state universities. Also provided representation to employees who serve as adult probation and juvenile probation officers for the state. Supervised and supported a talented team of lawyers and support staff.

General Litigation Division.∙ Represented state agencies and officials in defense of lawsuits involving claims of discrimination, retaliation, constitutional right violations, as well as challenges to the constitutionality of state statutes in both State and Federal Court;∙ Conducted investigations, performed legal research, and prepared complex motions, including pleadings, briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents;∙ Prepared and tried cases in State and Federal courts in defense of state agencies and state employees;∙ Performed analyses of complex factual and legal issues and develops evidence through witness interviews, depositions, and other discovery;∙ Provided legal advice, counsel, and assistance to client state agencies; ∙ Prepared and files briefs in State and Federal appellate courts; and∙ Supervised the division's student and attorney volunteers.

General Litigation Division. Wrote the first drafts of motions, pleas, and other court filings, and assisted the attorneys in their deposition and trial preparation.

Reviewed applications for aspiring staff members. Assisted with the production of the publication.

Edited legal articles and notes for proper style, grammar, and citation. Reviewed journal submissions for potential publication.

Competed in the Dallas regionals for the American Association for Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition. Acted as lawyer for defense and expert witness for the plaintiff.

Participated in policy revision process, researched and wrote legal advisory memos, and attended meetings with the Deputy Director regarding issues with potential for subsequent litigation, including harassment complaints and ADA accommodation request reviews.

Drafted original petitions seeking to impose disciplinary sanctions on misbehaving educators. Wrote settlement memos and negotiated settlements with educators. Assisted attorneys in preperation for hearings before an Administrative Law Judge.

Conducted research, primarily about employment issues; wrote memos; and reviewed school policies.

Researched case and statutory law, Texas Attorney General Opinions, legislative histories; wrote memos advising attorneys based on results. Produced deposition summaries and other documents as needed.

Drafted Public Health Law Bench Book for Texas Courts. Assisted attorneys in day-to-day research, editing, and case summaries.

Represented 195,000 UT System students by participating in deliberations during board and committee meetings in open and executive sessions. First undergraduate appointed for this position.

Established short and long-term objectives for the Student Senate, led Senate and Executive Committee meetings, identified student concerns and worked with school administrators to address these issues.