Willis Family Lawyers

I earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Texas at El Paso, graduating with honors in 1988. I completed my law degree at the University of Houston Law Center in 1991, finishing in the top third of my class. During my time at the University of Houston Law Center, I worked as a student attorney at the University of Houston Legal Aid Clinic, focusing solely on family law cases. I also interned as a law clerk for the late Judge John Montgomery in the 309th District Court of Harris County, Texas, a court that deals exclusively with family...

Katrina has been practicing law since 2015 and is a member of the Texas Bar College. Additionally, she is a Certified Guardian Ad Litem and Certified Civil and Family Law Mediator. Katrina’s practice focuses on divorce, child custody, estate planning, guardianship, real estate transactions and mediation services.

Kaitlin Capetillo has practiced family law since graduating from law school and has direct experience handling a variety of family law issues, including divorce, child custody & visitation, adoption, termination, child support, property division, and the modification or enforcement of prior court orders.

Daniel S. Chavez was born and raised in McKinney, Texas. He attended the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. There, he was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity. During this time, he met his wife Kirsten. Today, they are happily married and have a beautiful daughter, Blakely.

Following UNT, Daniel obtained his law degree from the historic Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas where he graduated Cum Laude. He was an avid member of the James Douglas’s Board of Advocates, Honor Court and the Hispanic Law...

Mark Rush Williamson is a partner at Williamson Family Law, located in the heart of Dallas, Texas. He is dedicated to helping individuals navigate some of life's most challenging situations, focusing on family law matters such as divorce, custody and support, modifications, grandparents’ rights, paternity, and even complex business and property division cases. With over 25 years of experience, Mark is well-known for his genuine kindness and empathy. He understands how sensitive family law issues can be and takes the time to guide his clients through the legal process with care and compassion. At the same time, he fights tirelessly to...

When clients seek my assistance, it is often during challenging and uncertain times in their lives. They come to me in search of guidance and clarity, wanting to understand what they can expect throughout the legal process. My primary objective is to lend an empathetic ear and offer comprehensive support, guiding them step by step through the complexities of their situation. With 25 years of experience, I firmly believe that honesty is paramount when dealing with such weighty matters, so I adopt a transparent approach with my clients, ensuring that all the cards are laid on the table. Even in...

Brandy Austin is a founding member of the firm. Her practice specializes in personal injury, family law, small business litigation, and wills and probate. Brandy attended East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. for her undergraduate degree. She majored in both English and Political Science. She went on to attend Baylor Law School and successfully completed Baylor's prestigious Practice Court program. She was part of Baylor's National Client Counseling Team and participated in their Moot Court Competition. Brandy went on to defend clients sued for medical malpractice, products liability, and personal injury. She has represented numerous clients at depositions,...

A highly respected attorney who was named Lawyer of the Year in Family Law, Dallas/Ft. Worth by The Best Lawyers in America 2016, Diana S. Friedman has joined her family law practice with that of GoransonBain Ausley’s. Diana shares the core values of GoransonBain Ausley in helping clients make the difficult transition through family law problems in the best way possible.

Diana recognizes that divorce and other family law issues are very personal experiences, so she strives to build comfortable, trusting relationships with her clients. She works with clients to establish goals for their cases, giving them the benefit of her...

Karen's goal is to help clients acquire the tools they need to begin the next chapter of their lives successfully. Clients can count on Karen to be straightforward, honest, and compassionate. She approaches each client’s unique story with genuine curiosity, offering guidance to navigate the best path forward.

Rachel has significant experience in all aspects of family law and passionately advocates for her client’s best interests through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. By listening carefully and finding solutions, Rachel helps clients feel more in control of the process.

Carla De La Cruz was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Carla has practiced family law in DFW and surrounding counties since 2017 and joined the Bogdanowicz Family Law team in 2020. She has experience in all areas of family law and is a native Spanish speaker.

Carla graduated from the University of Puerto Rico and later attended Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law. While in law school, she gained family law experience interning at the Child Support Offices in the District Court of Ponce, Puerto Rico. She further developed her skills...

With more than 15 years of experience as a practicing attorney, Armando J. Román provides advice and counsel to clients needing legal representation in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense, civil defense, citizenship and immigration services, removal defense, real estate, business, contracts, wills, probate, guardianship and family law matters.

Lawyers tend to focus or specialize in only particular areas of the law, while Armando focuses on serving his clients in several areas of the law. He represents people who are injured in motor vehicle accidents or because of the negligent acts of others. He represents people who have...

The Barrows Firm provides effective solutions in high conflict divorce cases, criminal and juvenile criminal matters, probate, guardianship and more.

Megan was a family law paralegal for 16 years before becoming a family lawyer, and has seen firsthand what matters to clients: knowing their case is in good hands with an attorney who understands their personal situation and who is capable of providing personalized options for addressing their legal issues. With a combination of sound legal counsel and practical advice, Megan guides clients toward goal-oriented decision-making that positions them for a better future. Megan was named to the 2023 Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch © list in the field of Family Law.

Clients with family law concerns can rely on Jack to put them on a better footing for the future. People going through divorce and other family issues make decisions that affect the rest of their lives, and Jack helps them prioritize what really matters. He steps into his clients’ shoes and advocates for them from a practical and empathetic perspective.

ABOUT BEN
Dallas-based attorney Benjamin Palatiere is a courtroom veteran with over 10 years of experience helping individuals, families, and businesses in civil disputes.


Education

Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, 2008
Texas State University, magna cum laude, 2005


Licensed/Admitted

Benjamin is admitted to the Texas Bar and licensed to practice in all district and county courts at law throughout the state.


Groups / Clubs

Dallas Young Lawyers Association
Sigma Alpha Epsilon

I have been a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas since 2003. In that time, I've focused on family law and estate planning/probate matters, with a special emphasis on child abuse and neglect cases. When it comes to child abuse and neglect cases, I've sat at every table in the courtroom, having represented parents, children and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services during my career.

At Roberson Duran Law, PLLC, we take a client-centered approach to legal representation, where we take into consideration the unique and specific needs of each client. We treat each...

After gaining 13 years’ experience as a collaborative law divorce attorney, litigator and mediator with extensive experience representing families in Plano, Richardson, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, and Dallas in Texas courts, Sharon Corsentino made the decision to dedicate her practice exclusively to mediation. Sharon recognizes the value of taking a non-adversarial approach to family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and child support, to help parties maintain long-term relationships and keep children’s best interests at heart.

Sharon helps couples settle their disputes privately in a dignified manner, without involving a judge who could impose decisions on them that do not meet their...

Mr. Bridge serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Firm Managing Attorney at Bailey & Galyen, one of the largest consumer law firms in Texas. A dedicated leader and experienced attorney, James has been instrumental in driving the firm’s success and overseeing its operations. James earned his undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University (TCU) and went on to graduate from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in 1998. During law school, he demonstrated his leadership abilities as the President of the Student Bar Association and as the President of his legal fraternity. With a proven track record in litigation, James is a...

Ricardo Julio was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil. His family moved to the US at an early age, and he has lived in Texas ever since. Growing up in a foreign country, he quickly learned the value of hard work and dedication. Ricardo received his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Baylor University in 2009. After graduating, Ricardo attended the night program at St. Mary’s Law School while maintaining a full-time job in Austin. At St. Mary’s, Ricardo was part of the St. Mary’s Civil Clinic where he provided pro bono representation to members of...

I have been on the Board of Directors of TRINITY METRO since 2013, served as Secretary 2015-2016 and Vice Chairman 2017-2019. TRINITY METRO operates all transportation services for Tarrant County, Texas, including bus, commuter rail, Zip Zone and Access for handicapped persons.
I have served on the Irving, Texas, Planning and Zoning Commission 1971-1975 and the Southlake, Texas, City Council 1992-1995.
I have been a member of the Grapevine Rotary Club since 1992 and served on their Board of Directors.
TEXAS MONTHLY Super Lawyer 2003 to present.
FORT WORTH MAGAZINE Top Lawyer 2009 to present.
Martindale-Hubbell AV rated & Preeminent Lawyers
Who's Who in American...

Fernando D. Gireud was born in El Paso, Texas, and graduated from Coronado High School in 2002. He attended the University of Texas – Austin where he majored in Computer Science and graduated in 2007. Afterwards, Fernando attended law school at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas where he graduated with his J.D. in 2010.

Shortly thereafter, Fernando moved back to his hometown of El Paso, Texas, where he worked for the Domestic Relations Office of El Paso County where he acted as friend of the court and worked on child support enforcement cases. In March 2012,...

Sandy M. Liu concentrates her practice in the areas of family law and immigration law. With roots in Taiwan, China, and France, Ms. Liu's background and experience have given her a unique understanding of the goals and struggles of the immigrant family. Ms. Liu received her bachelor's degree in Molecular Cell Biology from the University of Texas at Dallas and her Juris Doctorate from St. Mary's University School of Law in 2003. A member of Phi Delta Phi, Ms. Liu became licensed by the State Bar of Texas in 2003 and began her legal career at Legal Aid of NorthWest...

Board Certified Family Lawyer, Texas Board of Legal Specialization and obtained certification in 1999, licensed since 1991. Office located in San Antonio, Texas. We represent Spanish speaking clients with bilingual staff. Certified mediator, speciality in Family Law with 20 years experience as Mediator Experienced trial lawyer Guardianship certified Prior to law school I became a Registered Nurse, and still maintain license. Active in legal, community and nonprofit organizations. President, Family Law Bar Association San Antonio, 2022 CCA, Dress for Success and Canines for Warriors volunteer Proud parent of two professional children - not attorneys Graduate, University of Texas School of Law

Attorney Derek S. Ritchie – the founder and managing partner of The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC – is an accomplished lawyer focusing his practice on family law and criminal defense.
Derek obtained his law degree in London where he practiced criminal defense, handling a variety of sex crimes, gang-related crimes, and violent crimes. From there, Derek moved to the U.S. and earned his LLM from The University of Texas School of Law. He gained prosecution experience while working for the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office. After graduating with his LLM, Derek worked for a criminal defense firm in...

Paul G. Daly has a strong desire to help people resolve their legal issues. Since joining Anderson Legal Group, P.C., in August of 2012, Mr. Daly has resolved a variety of family law (including adoptions, divorces, custody disputes, and child support modifications) and criminal law cases for his clients.

Education and Goals
In addition to his Law Degree, Mr. Daly also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology, or the study of the physical, cultural and societal developments of people. As such, Mr. Daly has a deep understanding of a wide range of cultural backgrounds and ideologies....

Andrew pursued family law after realizing his passion for client advocacy and the many opportunities for championing a client’s best interests. He is especially drawn to courtroom litigation and mediation as solutions for clients’ cases and a match for his skills. Andrew's goal is to build trust with his clients so that they find peace of mind knowing he is in their corner.

Attorney Sylvia A. Cavazos is a former prosecutor and worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Bexar county for 10 years. She has extensive criminal trial experience in Felony and Misdemeanor cases including 1st Degree Aggravated Felonies. Ms. Cavazos opened up her private law office in 2007. She is a highly motivated and aggressive attorney who knows the law and the criminal justice system. Ms. Cavazos is one of the top criminal lawyers in San Antonio and surrounding counties. She also practices in Federal Court in the Western District of Texas and also has federal...

A graduate of Tarleton State University and Oklahoma City University School of Law, during which he was inducted as a Member of the International Legal Fraternity of Phi Delta Phi - Hand Inn, Chad Allman founded Allman Law, a general practice firm, in 2007 with the intent of serving those in need. Having grown up in a large family, Chad easily relates to people, allowing him to be sensitive to his client’s needs. 

Linda Risinger has been in private practice since 1989, focusing on the needs of North Texans primarily in Collin, Dallas and Denton Counties. However, her expertise has been called upon in cases across Texas. Linda is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and Southern Methodist School of Law in 1983 with a Juris Doctor. In 1989, she moved to Collin County, preferring the opportunity to meeting her client's needs in a more personal, committed level. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Collin County Bar Association. Her commitment to maintaining the highest level of knowledge and experience...

Aida was born in Matamoros, Mexico and came to the US with her family at the age of 4. She attended the public school system in Brownsville and graduated in the Top 5% of her 2006 graduating class at Porter High School. After high school, Aida attended the University of Texas at Austin where she graduated in 3 years with her Bachelor’s in Communication Studies-Political Communications. In 2009, Aida began law school at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas, where she simultaneously received her Master’s Degree in International Relations-Security Policy and National Security Issues....

Licensed to practice law in Texas since 1996. Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2004.

I grew up in Anson, Texas, not far from Abilene. I was raised on a ranch out in the country, and it helped shape my early life. I graduated Valedictorian of my high school in 1995, and went to Texas A&M University where I graduated in 1999 in the top 10% of my class with a B.B.A. in Accounting. After graduation with honors (Magna Cum Laude) from A&M, I went straight to law school at Texas Tech University School of Law on a full scholarship. I graduated with honors (Magna Cum Laude) from...

Jane Mapes has been practicing law for 26 years and has devoted her practice to Family Law for the past 16 years, in Texas. Prior to relocating to Texas in 1996, she concentrated on real estate and personal injury law in the State of Florida, where she went to law school, and was admitted to the Bar in 1988. Upon moving to Texas, Ms. Mapes was admitted to the State Bar of Texas, and began practicing with a general practice law firm in Grand Prairie, where she familiarized herself with the courts in Tarrant and Dallas Counties. Jane then joined...

I’m a former El Paso prosecutor and a captain in the U.S. Army JAG Reserve with extensive trial experience. After years of handling high level felony cases as a prosecutor, I left government work to go into private practice, where I provide aggressive legal advocacy in criminal and family law. I’ve been the lead attorney in thousands of criminal cases ranging from DWI and family violence to first-degree and “super first”-degree felony charges. I always put my clients first, so you can count on me to treat you with respect and fight hard to get you the best results possible. I’m...

I am a former prosecutor with extensive litigation experience in three states: Arizona, Texas, and Washington. After 18 years of litigating high level felony cases, I left government work to go into private practice to provide members of the community with aggressive legal advocacy in the areas of criminal and family law. I have successfully litigated thousands of cases across three states involving DWI, Family Violence, Sex Crimes, Drug Possession and Drug Trafficking as well as Homicide. Throughout my lengthy career I have strived to be fair to all involved while fighting for justice. I am a Virginia native who...

Janis Alexander Cross has practiced law in Texas since 1979. Her practice is primarily in the Texas Panhandle, but she also routinely goes to court in the South Plains (Lubbock & surrounding area) and to Childress and Wichita Falls. Her practice primarily involves family law, such as divorce, child custody, child support, and adoptions She also practices in the areas of estate planning and probate. Janis handles criminal law, including felonies and misdemeanors, as well as traffic tickets. Additionally, Janis handles business organizations (such as forming LLCs) and general civil litigation. ...

Our teams start with a deep understanding of our clients’ business objectives. We share knowledge across practices and regions. We help our clients not only mitigate risk, but also discover opportunity. And each success begins with the same simple question…

How can we help you?

By pooling our energy, talents and resources, we are able to achieve the highest order of excellence in the practice and profession of the law. Through such practice we are able to give back to our communities, and in all things to govern ourselves as members of a free democratic society with responsibilities both to our profession...