A Law Firm Built On
The Principles Of Family, Hard Work And Common Sense
Biography
I was certified to mediate while a junior in college. I then went to law school; however, I always view an issue first from the stand point of how to create a win/win solution for both parties. If a win/win solution is not possible, I then put on my litigator hat and move with intent to maximize my client's position.
Education
- South Texas College of Law Houston, Houston, Texas
- J.D. - 1993
- Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas
- B.S. - 1990
- Trial Advocacy College of Texas
- 2000
Classes & Seminars
- Mediation as a Conflict Resolution Model. , Presented to the Nederland Independent School District in July, 2005.
- How to Insure a Successful Mediation – A Mediator’s Perspective. , Presented during the Jefferson County Bar Association Mediation Seminar in September, 2011.
- A Mediator’s View of Effective Settlements at Mediation. , Presented during the Jefferson County Bar Association Litigation Seminar in October, 2011.
- How to Improve Your Chances of Winning Your VA Disability Claim., Presented at the VA Beaumont Outpatient Clinic in January, 2012 and January, 2013.
Professional Associations
- Jefferson County Bar Association, President, 2012 – 2013
- Jefferson County Bar Association, Vice-President, 2010 – 2011
- Jefferson County Bar Association, Secretary, 2009 – 2010
- Jefferson County Bar Association, Director, 2005 – 2006
- Jefferson County Dispute Resolution Center Mediator, Mediator Trainer, 1988 – Present
- Lamar Port Arthur Para-legal Program Advisory Board Member, 2008 – Present
- Better Business Bureau Autoline Arbitrator, 2009 – Present
- Michelle F. Mehaffy American Inn of Court Board Chair, 2016 - 2019
- State Bar of Texas Unauthorized Practice of Law Subcommittee – District 3A, Committee Member, 2009 – Present
- Nederland Education Foundation Director, 2011 – Present
- MCT Credit Union Advisory Board Member, 2014 - Present
- CASA Board Member, 2014 - 2016
- Jefferson County Bar Association Foundation Chair, 2013 - 2014
- Methodist Southeast Texas District Board of Trustees, 2010 – 2012
- Wesley Student Center , Lamar University, 2006 – 2009
- Wesley Student Center , Chairman of the Board, 2006 – 2008
- First United Methodist Church – Nederland, Texas, Administrative Board – Chair, 2014
- First United Methodist Church – Nederland, Texas, Staff Parish Committee – Chair, 2002 – 2003 and 2006 – 2008
- First United Methodist Church – Nederland, Texas, Finance Committee Member, 2005 – 2006
- First United Methodist Church – Nederland, Texas, Administrative Board Member, 2010 – Present
- Lamar University Alumni Advisory Board, Member, 1995 – 2005
- Lamar University Alumni Advisory , President, 2003 – 2004
- Jefferson County Young Lawyers, Board Member, 1999 – 2003
- Jefferson County Young Lawyers, Settlement Week Chairman, 1999 – 2002
- Jefferson County Young Lawyers, Webpage Chairman, 2002 - 2003
- Nederland High School Mock Trial Team Coach, 2002 – 2003
- Jefferson County Pro Bono Board of Directors , Board Member, 2001 - 2002
- Epsilon Endowment – Board Member, 1995 - 1999
Practice Areas
- Personal Injury Trial Law
- Social Security Disability
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
Bar Admissions
- Texas, 1993
Honors
- Texas Monthly – Rising Star
- Texas Monthly – Rising Star
- Outstanding Young Lawyer Jefferson County, Texas
- Mediator of the Year - Jefferson County Dispute Resolution Center
Past Positions
- Branick & Devenzio, December, 2010 – Present
- McCall & Devenzio, PLLC, April, 2008 – November, 2010
- Waldman & Smallwood, P.C. 1994 – April, 2008
- Managing Attorney - Nederland, Texas Branch Office 2000 - 2008
Fraternities or Sororities
- Sigma Phi Epsilon
- Blue Key
Certified Legal Specialties
- Personal Injury Trail Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2002