Briarcliff Family Lawyers

Jamie Kerr graduated from Rice University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2000. He spent nine years in education, working mostly with high school and university students through the process of application for admission to undergraduate, graduate, business, and law schools. In 2009, Jamie returned to school himself and graduated three years later from the University of Texas School of Law with a Juris Doctor. During his tenure at UT, Jamie focused heavily on clinical education, the study of the dynamics of domestic violence, and criminal law. He spent a year helping victims of domestic violence with their civil cases...

Mary Jones has been resolving family law matters, including complex financial issues, custody and visitation concerns, immediate and long reaching ramifications of settlement provisions for more than 25 years. Mary’s long-standing focus has been in all aspects of family law and collaborative divorce, including traditional and same-sex divorce, child support, spousal support, child custody, modifications, complex property division, maintenance, post-divorce disputes, paternity, adoptions, enforcement, pre- and post-marital agreements, and grandparent access.

Jeff is licensed to practice in all state courts, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. He currently is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Austin Bar Association, Austin Business Executives League (ABEL), and Business Networking International (BNI). Jeff’s legal practice focusses primarily on business & commercial litigation, collections, business transactional law, business entity formations, mergers & acquisitions, contracts, wills, trusts, estate planning, and probate. Jeff is also a certified Mediator. He mediates legal disputes in family, business, and civil law.

Jeff graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA...

I bring an unusually wide range of both legal and business experience that bring a unique depth and breadth the services that I provide, including, but not limited to, real estate, contracts, commercial law, and banking. My business background prior to law school provided me with many unique insights and a greater appreciation of the many interrelationships between the law and business.

My career actually began in community banks and savings and loans in Arlington and Houston. I ultimately served as the president of a newly-chartered national bank during its organization and start-up phases.

After fifteen years in business, I...

I specialize in all types of Family Law cases. A substantial amount of is in traditional, litigated divorces. I prefer the former because it is (in my opinion) a less expensive and more efficient process which gives the divorcing couple the opportunity to improve their communications, settle their disputes with dignity and preserve valuable family relationships. Even in emotional circumstances, I help resolve your divorce through mediation, allowing you a strong voice in the outcome. But we are also prepared to take your case to court if that will provide the best resolution. I handle divorce cases involving a...

Meagan Jones has a knack for filtering through the noise and helping her clients reach favorable resolutions during challenging circumstances. Meagan is passionate about not only guiding her clients through the difficult litigation process, but also making sure that they understand each step along the way. Her goal as a practitioner is to assist clients in being stronger, healthier individuals and families on the other side of litigation. Contrary to the long-standing joke that lawyers aren’t good at math, Meagan excels in mathematics and uses her skills to focus on innovative solutions to intricate financial situations, including complex assets and businesses...

Staring his legal career as a law clerk, and now a practicing family law attorney, Carlos seeks to be a zealous advocate for clients as they face their family law needs. Resolving children's issues such a custody, co-parenting, and possessions schedules are of special interest to Carlos.

Jay D. Smith has been practicing law since 2004. After graduating from Oklahoma State University in 2001, he attended Baylor University School of Law and graduated in 2004. He was awarded "best legal brief" in the Dawson & Sodd Moot Court Competition, and received recognition for being one of the top 10 speakers. After practicing in Dallas and Austin, Jay opened up his own firm in 2009. Jay Smith devoted this firm to helping families resolve their divorce cases. He owns firms in both Round Rock, Texas and Austin, Texas.

DiafiLaw is a full service family law office owned and operated by attorney Sarah Diafi. Sarah has committed nearly three decades of her career to the practice of family law in Austin. Sarah Diafi is a fully licensed attorney in the State of Texas, and has practiced law in Texas since 1989. Sarah has lived in Austin since 1976. Sarah graduated from the University of Texas in 1985 with a bachelor of arts in English Literature. She then attended St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas, receiving her law degree in 1988. She lives in Austin with...

Carlos Salinas graduated from Georgetown University in 1998 and the University of Texas School of Law in 2003. He began his legal practice in California, developing a broad range of skills in family law matters while nurturing his particular interest in representing survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. His work has included marital dissolutions, pre- and post-marital agreements, child custody, child support, minors’ counsel, complex property distribution, and cases involving domestic violence. He returned to Texas in 2008, where he expanded his broad family law practice to include applications under the Hague Convention for the return of children...

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 Separation Child Custody/Modifications Child Support Domestic Violence Issues (civil) Establishing Paternity Same-Sex Divorce and LGBT+ Family Matters Common 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.

A native of Houston, John Timothy Cowart grew up in Bay City, Texas. His family roots are well-established in the Texas Hill Country. Tim has four beautiful children and currently resides in Horseshoe Bay. Tim proudly supports local school sports in Burnet and Llano Counties and plays an active part in the community.

At the University of Houston, Tim earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1993, and his Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree in 1997. Licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas, he moved to the Highland Lakes area the same year to raise his family and start...

Divorce/Custody/Child Support, Real Estate and Business Litigation

Keesha is an attorney with years of experience helping people through high conflict divorces, child custody and related family law matters. Her caring, compassionate, and nonjudgmental style of practicing continually draws new clients to request her representation and her no-nonsense approach to solving her client’s legal issues ensures she maintains lasting client relationships.

Keesha also has twelve years of commercial real estate, investment, business development and contract negotiations experience. She advises new and established business owners through real estate transactions, commercial lease agreements, local area investment opportunities and contract disputes.

Keesha prosecuted misdemeanor and felony cases...

Board certified in civil trial law, appellate law, and family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Audrey joined the firm, Noelke English Maples St. Leger in 2009 as an Associate, and quickly became a Partner in January, 2010. With her background in divorce, family law and family law litigation, Audrey brings broad family issues resolution knowledge and particular knowledge in family violence to her clients. After graduating from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts with a double major in Spanish and History, Audrey came to Texas for law school at Baylor. Having established many relationships in Texas convinced her to practice law in Austin. Following a very rewarding time with...

Career exclusively devoted to divorce and custody matters. Extensive trial experience; over 25 years of experience as a first chair litigator in family law matters. Specializing in divorce involving complex estates and intellectual property issues.

Alex graduated from the University of Concordia with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and she earned her Juris Doctor from St. Mary's University of Law.
Alex chooses to practice family law because of her strong desire to help navigate clients through one of the most difficult and important times in their family’s lives. She recognizes that every family law case is unique to the individual involved, and her intention is always to advise clients on the distinctive facts of their case while keeping the client's individual goals as well as the best interest of the children at...

Jodi Lazar practices family law exclusively and represents clients in both the traditional litigation and collaborative law models, depending on the client’s needs.

Jodi is also an Adjunct Professor in the Advocacy Department at The University of Texas School of Law, where she teaches Intensive Trial Skills and works with the Interscholastic Mock Trial Program.

EDUCATION
The University of Texas School of Law, 1988
The University of Texas at Austin, 1985

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS & HONORS
Member, State Bar of Texas (Family Law Section)
Member, Oregon State Bar
Member, American Bar Association (Family Law Section)
Member, Austin Bar Association (Family Law Section)
Member, College of the State Bar of Texas

COLLABORATIVE LAW...

Chris Harris was born in El Paso, Texas, but moved to the central Texas area as a young child and has lived here since. While being homeschooled, Chris was able to pursue specific interests in law classes. Upon graduation from high school, he attended Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas. During his time at Howard Payne he won numerous awards individually and as a partnership in Moot Court competitions held at various Texas law schools. Chris graduated with a degree in political science with a pre-law focus. Having visited Baylor School of Law during Moot...

Aishah McCoy, a dedicated attorney, is driven by her belief that clients deserve personalized counsel and expertise in every aspect of their case. With a focus on both in and out of court, she is committed to helping clients achieve their goals, whether it's navigating high conflict custody cases or developing generational legacy plans. Aishah's determination and unwavering dedication to her clients are evident in her practice. Aishah McCoy holds a Juris Doctorate certificate from Thurgood Marshall Law School. She also generously volunteers her time to organizations such as RAICES, Legal Line, and Volunteer Legal Services, offering legal assistance to low-income...

My practice focuses on providing legal advice, relationship agreements (no-nups, pre-nups, living together agreements, legal rental contracts), family law (folks seeking low-conflict divorce, custody and child support), wills and estate planning, medical directives, and mediation. I have a passion for helping folks with non-traditional lifestyles meet their legal needs. I have been polyamorous since 2006 and have 2 long-term partners (egalitarian polyam V, where I am the hinge). I am also a part of the regional burning man community in Central Texas. LGBTQIA++, polyamory, kink, sex-worker -friendly legal services. I communicate with clients throughout the state at their comfort...

Senior Associate Attorney at Modern Family Law

Austin Divorce Lawyer, Joe Newberry was born and raised in Austin, Texas. He attended St. Andrews School from first through eighth grade and then went to Austin High School. After graduating from Austin High, Joe attended the University of Arizona in Tucson and double majored in Finance and Economics in four years. Following college, Joe worked in the Fixed Assets Department of Southwest Airlines. It was during this time that he decided he wanted to pursue a degree in law.

In August 2004, Joe entered Law School at Texas Wesleyan in Fort Worth, and gained invaluable experience in the...