One BAD DECISION IS NOT the Final Word.
When the trial court gets it wrong, you deserve a second chance. I help clients fight
unfair outcomes through clear, persuasive, and strategic appellate arguments.
About
I graduated with honors from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 2008, finishing near the top 10% of my class and serving on Law Review. After law school, I earned a prestigious federal judicial clerkship with United States District Judge Robert Junell, in the Western District of Texas, who maintained a fast-paced trial docket. In two years, I assisted with more than 40 criminal jury trials and prepared drafts of opinions in complex civil and criminal cases.
Following my clerkship, I spent nearly a decade at a Houston-based federal criminal defense
firm, working on high-profile cases and building a reputation for persuasive written advocacy.
My work contributed to trial victories, appellate wins, significant sentencing reductions, and the
successful litigation of pretrial motions. I also served as second chair in several complex state
and federal trials and as first chair on appellate arguments in both state and federal court.
In 2019, I joined the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Houston. As lead counsel, I represented
hundreds of defendants in federal court, securing dismissals, acquittals, and sentencing outcomes
far below the recommended guidelines. I also briefed and argued appeals before the U.S. Court
of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, further sharpening my appellate skills.
Since 2023, I have focused exclusively on appellate and post-conviction cases. I represent clients in Texas, New York, and in several federal jurisdictions.
Professional Experience
- Partner, Hester Law (2023–present) – Appellate and post-conviction representation in
state and federal courts. - Consulting Attorney, Audley Chaucer Solicitors (2023-present).
- Assistant Federal Public Defender, Southern District of Texas (2019–2023) – Lead
counsel in hundreds of federal criminal cases; argued appeals in the Fifth Circuit. - Appellate and Trial Lawyer, The Cogdell Law Firm (2010–2019) – Represented
clients in high-stakes state and federal trials and appeals. - Law Clerk, Hon. Robert Junell, U.S. District Judge, Western District of Texas
(2008–2010) – Assisted with over 40 criminal jury trials; drafted opinions and bench
memoranda in complex cases.
Teaching Experience
- Lecturer, University of Law, Bloomsbury (2023–present) – Criminal Law, Legal
Research, and Professional Ethics.
Admissions
- State Bar of Texas
- State Bar of New York
- Registered Foreign Lawyer in the United Kingdom
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the First, Fourth, and Fifth Circuits
- U.S. District Courts for the Western, Eastern, and Southern Districts of Texas