Rockdale Lawyers

Candice B. Deyerle is a founding partner of Deyerle Silva Smith, PLLC and is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Clients with particularly complex family law issues, including divorce with businesses involved, multi-million dollar estates, privacy or publicity concerns, contested custody matters, children or parties with disabilities and/or special needs, or difficult issues such as alcoholism, drug abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or personality disorders involved particularly benefit from Candice’s expertise. From the initial consultation, she will listen to and thoughtfully evaluate the facts of your case and work with you to...

Tillman Roots joined Pless Law Firm in 2022 and is based in the firm’s Austin office. Prior to, he served over ten years as General Counsel for one of the fastest growing counties in the United States (Comal County) handling the county’s real estate transactions, procurement and construction contracts, and subdivision plat matters.

Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization Super Lawyer in Federal and White Collar Law

Board Certified, Civil Trial Advocacy – National Board of Trial Advocacy. Board Certified, Personal Injury Trial Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Selected Top 50 Texas Lawyers, Central Texas Region, Texas Monthly October 2006 Graduated from Baylor University, B.A., 1975. Graduated from Baylor Law School, J.D., 1978. Adjunct Professor, Baylor Law School, teaching personal injury trial law and products liability law for more than 30 years. Contributing Editor, Texas Torts Handbook. Former Co-Editor, Texas General Practice Digest, Torts Section. Former Editor-in-Chief, Texas Trial Lawyer Forum.

Trent Kelly is a plaintiff's attorney in Austin, Texas focusing on Personal Injury matters.

Louis Leichter practices administrative, health, and criminal law, focusing on the area of licensure and license defense. Mr. Leichter advises clients on disciplinary actions and misconduct allegations that may affect their professional licenses. Mr. Leichter also represents clients on related issues that are divergent from the receipt of a disciplinary order within a healthcare practice. Peer review and medical staff privileges, practitioner data bank disputes, network agreements, contract negotiations, and license renewal questionnaires are important to medical and other health care professionals who are involved in disciplinary action. Prior to starting a private practice, Mr. Leichter prosecuted criminal cases as an...

Jorge Vela spent seven years as both a federal and state prosecutor. Now, as a criminal defense attorney, he is using his experience to fight for individuals accused of a state or federal crime.

Jorge Vela has experience handling cases involving driving while intoxicated, assault, drug possession, robbery, kidnapping, family violence, sexual assault, and homicide

As the founder and Managing Partner of Batrice Law Firm, Paul Batrice has spent the past fifteen years fighting on behalf of ordinary people and aggressively pursuing just compensation for injured Texans. Over the course of his career, Paul has helped thousands of people obtain millions of dollars in settlements and judgements. While in law school, Paul was heavily recruited by high-ranking firms in Miami, New York, and Dallas. As a result, he gained experience defending some of the largest companies in the world. His goals in the legal field never aligned with the corporate interests of these companies, however, which...

William B. “Bill” Gammon was born in Virginia and moved to Texas as a young child when his father went to work for NASA. He attended High School in Clear Lake, Houston and then came to Austin during the 1960’s to complete his under graduate degree at The University of Texas. He ran several successful small businesses both in Austin and in Houston before deciding to attend Law School. He attended UT Law School in Austin and holds the record there for the fastest graduating student. He completed Law School in just twenty two months.

Bill began his solo practice here...

Garrett L. Beach graduated magna cum laude from Abilene Christian University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a minor in Psychology. In 2016, Garrett graduated from Baylor Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor with a concentration in estate planning. Garrett is an accomplished attorney whose commitment to his clients is unwavering. He takes pride in investing the time and effort required to understand each of his client’s unique needs and goals. With a compassionate and personalized approach, Garrett ensures that his clients receive tailored advice and guidance every step of the way. After...

Merrilee L. Harmon is a Family Law specialist, Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1985. Merrilee has lived most of her life in Waco. She graduated from Baylor University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in elementary education with a minor in English. Merrilee also received certificates in teaching and in the fields of language and learning disabilities and mental disabilities. Merrilee graduated from Baylor Law School in 1978 with a Juris Doctor degree and concentration in Civil Trial Law. From 1978 to 1981, she practiced Criminal Law as...

Melissa Stone Myers began her career in patent litigation with the Delaware law firm, Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP. After moving to Austin, Melissa and her family planted new roots. Building relationships with a network of growing families, Melissa Stone Myers recognized the need for families to plan for their future and that of their children. Melissa also realized a growing demand for advice and assistance with local small businesses. StoneMyers Law PLLC was formed to help families plan for their future and help small businesses achieve their goals.

Professional Background:
J.D. cum laude, Boston University School of Law (1998)

B.S. Biochemistry...

Professional Licenses and Court Admissions: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, United States District Court for the Western and Northern Districts of Texas, United States Patent & Trademark Office, all Courts of the State of Texas.

Education: Doctor of Jurisprudence, cum laude, from the University of Houston, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, with honor, from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Legal Experience: Specializing in Patent Law, including patent drafting, prosecution and procurement, in the United States and in other countries. Technical areas of expertise include wireless communications, digital signal...

Graham E. Sutliff grew up in San Angelo, Texas in a family of six. From an early age, in this close-knit West Texas town, he learned the value of hard work, determination and fighting for what is right. Graham and his now partner Hank, who became friends at age four, found an early interest in the law by playing in the halls of the Tom Green County Courthouse. As a young man, his interest in the law continued to grow and he set out to find a way to use this passion to help others. At the University of Mississippi, after...

Hamp Skelton grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Princeton University in 1978 and from the University of Texas School of Law in 1981. He and his wife, Karen, have three sons, now all in their mid-20s. Hamp has tried lawsuits in Texas for more than 40 years. He began his career at Vinson & Elkins in Houston in 1981, practicing in its commercial litigation section. He moved back to to Austin in 1986, joining Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld. He built a litigation section for that office, serving as partner in charge of litigation. His present...

Niles J. Sneed is a trial lawyer practicing representing victims of catastrophic personal injuries caused by highway accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, motorcycle accidents, on-the-job accidents/explosions, boat and offshore accidents, defective consumer products, and wrongful termination matters. Mr. Sneed is devoted to passionately assisting people in need and continues in his philanthropic endeavors by devoting himself not only to charity and non-profit endeavors throughout Texas. Mr. Niles J. Sneed continues to show his colleagues and community that diligence, discipline, and perseverance are what drives the success we can obtain for our clients.

Before opening a law practice, Grover "Pete" Peters served in the military and then served as a healthcare executive. He now offers legal services in several practice areas including Aviation Law, Business Law, Estate Planning, Personal Injury and more.

Pete is a retired U.S. Army Medical Service Corps officer and a former healthcare executive having served as a COO, CIO, and CEO of various healthcare organizations and systems across the United States. In addition to practicing law, Pete has extensive experience in business development. He regularly consults with providers and medical groups developing freestanding emergency departments and micro hospitals. In...

An Austin native from birth, Mr. Melton attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with his B.A. in 1996. He went on to California to attend The University of San Diego School of Law, earning his J.D. in 1999, serving as the Comment Editor of the San Diego Law Review. After graduation he moved back to Austin and received his license to practice law in the State of Texas in 1999. Now, John F. Melton is an experienced Austin-based lawyer who has helped hundreds of Texas workers fight for their legal rights. Since 2008, he has...

Todd is a proud descendant of Judge Charlie Grant Rash, a respected Texas judge who journeyed to the state by wagon train in the late 1800s. Carrying forward his family’s legacy of justice and integrity, Todd is dedicated to defending fellow Texans who find themselves accused of crimes by the government. With deep empathy for the feelings of vulnerability and inequity that can come with prosecution by a powerful state, Todd stands as a staunch advocate for fairness and due process. A graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas, Todd began his career in public accounting before moving into corporate...

Kim Samman is an accomplished attorney based in Houston, Texas, with over two decades of experience advocating for her clients in criminal courtrooms across the state. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas at Tyler with a degree in criminal justice and went on to earn her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. During her time there, she demonstrated leadership and a commitment to integrity by serving as Honor Court Chief Magistrate and as an Associate Board Member of the Advocates. Kim is licensed to practice law in Texas and is admitted to the United States...

Audrey Kelly is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with more than a decade of experience and a unique background as both a former prosecutor and a passionate advocate for the accused. Based in Texas, Audrey’s practice focuses on providing strategic, aggressive, and deeply informed representation to individuals facing a wide range of criminal charges, from DWI and drug offenses to violent crimes and white-collar allegations. A native Texan, Audrey’s legal journey began early—by age 18, she was working in a criminal defense office. She went on to earn her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School after completing her undergraduate...

Michael is an accomplished attorney with a robust foundation in negotiation and advocacy. Since earning his Juris Doctor from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, he has built a career marked by precision, leadership, and commitment to client success. Michael applies a meticulous approach to legal research and case management, ensuring each client receives exemplary representation and personalized legal solutions. Michael served as a Managing Attorney at Dunham & Jones Law Firm, where he led one of the largest criminal law offices in Texas. His leadership in high-volume, high-stakes environments has honed his ability to solve complex legal challenges...

I was born in Washington, D.C., and spent the first 10 years of my life on the east coast before moving to Texas in 1990. We settled in League City, Texas, where I went to elementary through high school before attending the University of Texas at Austin. In 2002, I finished my undergraduate education at Baylor University, where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations. In 2006, I obtained my J.D. from the University of Tulsa and was admitted to the Texas Bar in 2007. My loving and beautiful wife, Jill, is...

After receiving both his undergraduate degree and his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin, Patrick Hotze went on to be founding partner of Hotze Runkle with Ryan Runkle. Since the beginning of the firm, Patrick and his fellow attorneys have represented thousands of clients not only through Austin, but across the country. Together, they have striven to be the finest law firm Austin has to offer with their expertise in Nursing Home Abuse and Asbestos / Mesothelioma. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, as well as being an active member...

I have been involved in the planning, trial and appeal of complex business litigation matters for the past 30 years. I have represented a wide variety of clients in complex business litigation in state and federal courts throughout Texas and the United States. My practice has involved trials and appeals in such diverse litigation areas as corporate reorganization and bankruptcy, securities and business fraud, white collar-business criminal cases, anti-trust, real estate, construction, oil and gas, insurance disputes, civil rights, First Amendment issues, defense of civil and criminal contempt matters, and defense of individuals in NCAA Infractions Committee hearings. I maintain an...

Specializing in family law, Morgan serves as an Amicus attorney, advocating for children's best interests. Her practice areas include custody, visitation, and child support matters. As a former president of the South Texas College of Law’s mediation group, she emphasizes mediation to help families reach amicable solutions without resorting to trial. Morgan's experience encompasses visitation modifications, parental rights and child support, parental alienation, paternity, stepparent adoptions, grandparent rights, and representing parties in cases involving the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Her professional affiliations include the Houston Bar Association (Family Law Section), State Bar of Texas (Family Law and Child Welfare...

Will Adams is the firm’s lead trial attorney and represents clients in serious personal injury and death cases. He is Double Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law, and is a life member of the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Will has been recognized as on of the Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers in Texas by the National Trucking Trial Lawyers Association, as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Texas by The National Trial Lawyers, and as a leader in his field by Texas Monthly Magazine, H Texas Magazine and other publications.

Will serves...

I was born and raised in the farmlands of the Midwestern United States. I earned an Associate in Science degree from Lincoln Trail College, marking a significant milestone as the first person in my family to obtain a college degree. My educational journey continued at Southern Illinois University, where I achieved both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Organic Chemistry. My legal education began at the University of Houston and concluded at Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis, Indiana, where I graduated with a Juris Doctorate cum laude in 2008. During my time in law school,...

Gloria Yates Early is a hard working attorney with 20 years of experience in the San Antonio Area. She cares about her clients and isn't afraid of a fight. From paperwork to lawsuits Gloria Yates Early is here to help, check out her website: www.gloriayatesearlyattorney.com and call for an appointment- (210) 902-6130. "Get help early, call Early!"

Lance Kennedy is a former federal and Texas prosecutor serving the criminal defense needs of Central Texas. A seventh-generation Texan, Lance was born in East Texas and raised in Dallas. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, a law degree from Southern Methodist University, and a master’s degree from Harvard University. After completing his education, Lance became a Judge Advocate in the United States Army Reserve. Along with his military service, Lance began his legal career as a Texas prosecutor. As an Assistant Attorney General and Assistant District Attorney, Lance prosecuted felonies, misdemeanors,...

Hanna’s passion for family law grew out of her drive to help others going through difficult times. She prides herself on being a zealous advocate for her clients at every stage of their case. Her goal is to get the best outcome for her client while ensuring her client’s experience within the legal system is as stress-free as possible. Hanna prioritizes open, honest, and consistent communication with her clients because she knows support from an attorney is invaluable. Hanna understands that each case is different, and firmly believes that her role is to provide clients with the legal guidance necessary...

Stephanie was born and raised in Katy, Texas. She graduated from the University of Houston Law Center where she participated in the Educational Rights Clinic, Juvenile Law Clinic, Immigration Clinic, and the Alternative Dispute Resolution team. Through her work in the legal clinics, she had the privilege of zelalously advocating for her various clients. Stephanie is well versed in the financial aspects of divorce, having received her accounting degree from the University of Houston Honors College with cum laude honors, particularly as it affects real estate, retirement accounts, and business ownership. Stephanie’s passion for the legal profession, attention to detail, and professionalism...

Elizabeth Ardeel is a former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney in The Woodlands and Conroe Texas. As a Prosecutor Elizabeth handled DWI, Assault Family Member, Theft, Public Intoxication, and crimes against children. She knows the government's playbook and can put her experience to work for you in Montgomery, Walker, Brazos, and the surrounding cities and counties. Crimes: DWI Charges Assault Family Member Theft Public Intoxication Possession of Marijuana Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2 Jurisdictions: Montgomery County Walker County Brazos County Grimes County Waller County FREE CONSULTATION 936-596-0407

I'm Caroline Ortego, I'm an Estate planning and probate attorney, soccer mom and plant lover. I was born and raised in Louisiana. In 2008, I graduated from LSU Law and moved to Texas the very next year. I have been here ever since. There are so many I love about living in Texas like going to the Katy ISD Livestock Show and Rodeo and eating all the tacos I can get my hands on. With my law firm, Ortego Law Firm, I am committed to the families and individuals of Katy, TX and surrounding areas by providing compassionate, personalized...

J. Derick Winfrey is a solo practitioner who specializes in assisting his clients in many legal specialties. Derick has an extensive background in family law, criminal defense, dwi law, corporate law, real estate transactions, contracts, bankruptcy, civil litigation and estate planning. Derick believes not only in the importance of helping his clients understand the complexities of the law and the legal process, but also in their vigorous representation. He has a BBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin and received his Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University. He is licensed to practice...