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Everyone in my life knew that I was going to be a lawyer, even before I did. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, but I spent my adolescence California dreaming. I’ve always loved music, and at the age of 10, I decided I was going to attend college at UCLA, move permanently to Los Angeles after graduation, and become a successful member of the Artists & Repertoire team at a major record label.Some of those dreams came true. I moved to Los Angeles when I was 18 to begin attending my dream school—UCLA—and absolutely loved my four years there. I graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into the Eta of Los Angeles chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. I was also able to intern at a record company while attending UCLA, and while that did allow me to meet the Backstreet Boys in person, it also made me realize that what I’d always thought was my calling actually wasn’t.After a lot of soul-searching, test preparation courses, and applications, I started law school at the University of Texas School of Law two and a half months after graduating from UCLA. I was involved in Texas Law Fellowships during my time at UT and helped raise money for classmates of mine that dedicated their summers to doing pro bono work. I was also a mentor through the Law Students Mentoring Undergraduates program and had the opportunity to study abroad in London during the fall semester of my third year.I received my license to practice law in Texas in November of 2016. Before joining Walters Gilbreath, I worked at a law firm handling mortgage compliance. When I’m not working, I enjoy practicing yoga, visiting museums, watching sports/TV/movies, and traveling.I was the last to know that I would become an attorney, but I am so proud and grateful to have the opportunity to advocate for you.

Prior to attending law school, I earned a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Texas.  For over fifteen years, I worked as a licensed mental health therapist in schools serving children who qualified for special education due to emotional and behavioral disabilities.  I went to law school knowing that I would be able to use the knowledge I had as a counselor and educational consultant to help children and families.   I attended the evening program at Seattle University School of Law, and continued to work full-time as a mental health specialist for Kent School District.. I am excited to serve children and families who need the assistance of an educational attorney. I really enjoy helping families navigate the complexities of the schools and special education because the results are practical and I get to see children succeed. I worked as a consultant for public schools for many years, so my experience is grounded in an understanding of the culture of schools as well as knowledge about the law. Parents often feel outnumbered and misunderstood. I help my clients who are facing discipline, special education, or other school-related issues and would benefit from legal counsel.. Most recently, I was the program attorney for Family Law CASA of King County. Family Law CASA is a non-profit that provides court-appointed, volunteer guardian ad litem services in low-income family law cases.  The role of the agency is to protect the needs of children in family law disputes.  My role at the agency was to represent both the program and the volunteer assigned to the case in court.  Often during divorce proceedings, the needs of the children are easily diluted in the face of the better articulated needs of their parents.  My job was to ensure that the focus of the case remained on the best interests of those children.  As part of that process, I encouraged parents, even in dire situations, to better see and acknowledge the needs and interests of their children. My experience in court and at family law mediations gives me the practical understanding of how to effectively represent clients in the divorce process.  This experience guides my work with my clients, allowing me to translate the often foreign legal process into understandable steps.  I listen to what my clients say about what they need, and about their fears and concerns.  I work with them to develop a plan to navigate the legal process in order to create a positive outcome for themselves and their families.  My goal is to provide my clients with thorough information and preparation and to help them to feel knowledgeable and empowered, so that the often painful process of moving out of a marriage or partnership is made easier and more successful.

I have been a practicing attorney for over twenty years. I serve as the Associate Municipal Judge for the City of Cedar Park, part time and maintain a private practice in Family and Criminal Law.  Although I have significant litigation experience I will always consider myself a general practicioner. That is, I want to be your Lawyer for whatever issue you may have. Whether that is a divorce, custody issue, a criminal matter, or simply a will or property deed, or even that little fender bender. I can help. Let me be your lawyer.

Born and raised in Texas, J. started practicing law handling multiple different areas of law including family law, criminal defense, and general civil litigation. J.’s past experiences coupled with his work ethic give him a greater understanding of the issues that arise in family law cases. Today J. deals with the following family law matters:. Divorce and Legal SeparationChild Custody/ModificationsChild SupportDomestic Violence Issues (civil)Establishing PaternitySame-Sex Divorce and LGBT+ Family MattersCommon Law Marriage. In his spare time, J. enjoys playing board/video games with friends, traveling the country, and exploring Austin’s ever-growing entertainment scene with his dog, Micki.. Call our Austin office and ask for J.