• Represent and counsel public school districts, junior and community colleges, universities and other governmental entities in all areas of education and government law including labor and employment matters, civil rights matters, state and federal litigation, contracts and service agreements, special education law, student discipline concerns, and open government law • Defend clients in employment discrimination and civil rights cases, including claims brought under the First and Fourteenth Amendments, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)• Negotiate and draft employment agreements, including separation and release agreements• Revise Master Service Agreements with third party vendors• Assist and advise clients regarding personnel matters, school board grievances, ethics and conflict of interest, and compliance with the Texas Public Information Act and Open Meetings Act• Perform investigations related to claims of harassment, bullying, discrimination and/or ethics violations• Develop and revise employee handbooks and policies• Provide training on employment issues, including workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation, effective documentation, and searches• Presented oral arguments to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of public school district in litigation involving allegations of an unreasonable strip search in violation of the Fourth Amendment

• Owner/Founder is Filemon B. Vela, Jr., U.S. Congressman for the 34th District of Texas• Represented individuals and governmental entities in personal injury/wrongful death suits involving claims of negligence, products liability, construction defect, and premises liability• Second-chaired a jury trial in wrongful death action; responsibilities included cross examination of fact witnesses, drafting pre-trial motions and briefs, arguing pre-trial motions, selecting and preparing exhibits, and preparing expert witnesses• Handled all aspects of litigation from inception through resolution, including all client communication, discovery and motion practice, pre-trial briefing and hearings; taking and defending depositions of witnesses and experts; mediating cases and negotiating complex settlements• Reviewed and analyzed contracts, subcontracts, indemnity agreements, and insurance policies to determine liability and coverage

• As contract lawyer, drafted and responded to discovery requests in multi-party construction litigation cases; conducted inspection, coding, and review of documents for FCPA and products liability/negligence cases using e-discovery software• As a recruiter, served as primary contact for clients seeking temporary or temp-to-perm attorneys; search, identify and recruit candidates; review and revise resumes; conduct interviews and assess candidates’ suitability; assist clients with determination of hourly rates and market standards• Counsel lawyer candidates on resume preparation, job search strategies, and interview skills

• Drafted successful motion for summary judgment on behalf of large oil company in federal court• Reviewed and analyzed drilling contracts, master services agreements, and indemnity agreements to determine liability of all parties involved; drafted 8(i) and standard settlement agreements • Reviewed insurance policies and prepared coverage opinions to claimant on behalf of the insurer• Participated in all phases of the discovery process, including drafting and responding to discovery requests, preparing witnesses and experts for depositions, and taking and defending depositions in federal and state litigation • Collaborated with claims adjusters and developed trial strategy against multi-million dollar claims • Negotiated with opposing counsel in discovery disputes• Conducted site inspection in products liability and personal injury lawsuits• Developed FCPA handbook containing updated DOJ opinions for use by firm lawyers and global clients• Practice areas included the Maritime Law, Products Liability, Personal Injury, Insurance Coverage, Longshore Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act, OCSLA, and the Jones Act