Bryant Surley-Strong is a personal injury paralegal at the Brandy Austin Law Firm. As a paralegal, Bryant assists the personal injury attorneys with managing cases. He works with clients and the rest of the personal injury team to bring together all the facts of each particular case to make the strongest argument in defense of our clients.

Bryant grew up in the DFW metroplex and graduated from Mansfield-Summit High School in 2005. During his senior year of high school Bryant had the incredible opportunity to attend President George W. Bush’s second inauguration as a part of the National Youth Leadership Institute. This event helped foster his passion for politics and civic engagement. Bryant received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in German from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. At UNT, Bryant quickly became involved with student leadership, becoming a resident assistant at Kerr Hall and chairman of the North Texas College Republicans. As College Republican chairman, Bryant honed his skills as a student leader, participating in numerous televised student debates, campus political demonstrations, and campaign volunteer events. Bryant’s first job after graduating was with the College Republican National Committee. As a field representative for the CRNC, Bryant worked with College Republican chapters at colleges and universities across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania to grow their memberships and volunteer in campaigns in the 2010 midterm elections. He is proud of the work he did helping Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) and former Governor Tom Corbett (R-PA) win their elections. Bryant then returned home to DFW to work as a campaign representative for local Republican candidates. Two years later, Bryant returned to Pennsylvania to serve as the digital director for Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. Working on a presidential campaign was the opportunity of a lifetime, and although Mitt Romney did not win, Bryant is incredibly grateful for the time he spent working during such an important moment in our nation’s history.

Although politics will always remain a personal passion and pastime for Bryant, the life of a traveling campaign consultant had started to lose its appeal. In 2013, Bryant decided to leave Washington, DC and return home to Texas. Less than a month after moving back to Arlington, Bryant met the man who would become his husband. After dating for a few months, Bryant knew that if he was going to make a life with his boyfriend, he would have to find a career with the stability that campaigns could not offer. Leaving professional politics was an easy choice when compared to the happiness that he had found with his boyfriend. Two years into their relationship, Bryant planned a trip for the two of them to visit the Grand Canyon. After a long day of hiking, he suggested that they stay at the park until after dark to gaze at the stars, where he then proposed. They married in the summer of 2016, and have been happily together ever since.

After leaving politics, Bryant briefly pursued a career as a teacher. He taught 7th grade Texas history and 11th grade SAT English prep at a charter school in south Dallas. Although teaching was an incredibly rewarding experience, he ultimately decided that it was not for him. He entered the legal profession in 2016, working for a boutique family law practice in Dallas. When that firm dissolved, Bryant joined a civil rights firm in Arlington as a legal assistant. It was at this job that he discovered a passion for law Working in civil rights law was deeply rewarding, and Bryant especially enjoyed working with clients to defend their rights. In 2018, Bryant was thrilled when he received an offer to join the Brandy Austin Law Firm as a personal injury paralegal. He is honored to work with such dedicated and exceptional team of attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and attorney liaisons. Joining the personal injury team has been an exciting and rewarding experience. New to personal injury law and a passionate lifelong learner, Bryant has loved delving into the art of personal injury law. He loves taking all the disparate facts and figures from complicated cases and carefully crystalizing them into a single, easily understood narrative. In college, Bryant was once rear ended while waiting at a red light by an uninsured, unlicensed driver. He understands how difficult and devastating a car accident can be, particularly when you are not at fault. While he is forever thankful that neither he nor his passenger were injured, losing his car hundreds of miles away from home was a disaster. Bryant takes pride in helping others navigate through stressful situations like the one he had to endure years before.

When not working, Bryant loves spending time with his family and friends, watching movies with his husband, going to the theater, cooking, and traveling. Bryant has had the opportunity to travel abroad to countries such as Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, England, and Wales. He and his husband hope to add France, Japan, and Norway to that list soon. Bryant became an Episcopalian in college, and he and his husband are active members of their church. Shortly before meeting his husband, Bryant found an abandoned kitten wandering in the street. Since he found the kitten on Elm Street, he decided to call him Freddy; when he found another kitten outside his apartment a year later, he naturally had to name him Jason. They soon hope to expand their family through adoption, and unfathomably excited to take this giant leap into parenthood.

Dietrich O. Odom

Dietrich O. Odom is a contract attorney with the Brandy Austin Law Firm.  He works with clients in the areas of personal injury, wills, trusts, estates, criminal and family law.  Dietrich graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree Magna Cum Laude from McMurry University in Abilene, Texas in 2000 with a major in Religion and a minor in Philosophy.  During his time at McMurry University he was recognized as the outstanding Religion and Philosophy Student and received numerous scholarships and awards.  During this time, he thought seriously about attending seminary or graduate school, but was unsure if he could impact society in the manner that he wished to.  As an avid reader of Philosophy in college, Dietrich was consumed with the pursuit of truth and justice.  Plato’s Republic and John Rawl’s Theory of Justice were both profoundly influential.  Both books concerned the pursuit of Justice.  As a result, Dietrich eventually decided to go to law school where he could continue his learning and pursue a career where he thought he could have a real impact on society and promote justice.

After graduating from McMurry University, Dietrich applied to several law schools, but his heart was set on attending Baylor Law School.  When he received his acceptance letter to Baylor Law School in Waco, Texas, he knew that he had made the right decision.   He wanted to attend Baylor Law School because of the rigorous trial advocacy program that it offered.  He graduated from Baylor Law School in 2005.  While at Baylor Law School, he participated in Moot Court and various mock trial competitions, while also raising two toddlers.

During his time at Baylor Law School, he was heavily influenced by a Family Law professor who lit a fire within him and passion for family law.  It didn’t hurt that he himself was going through a divorce as well.  The combination of the two forces led him to want to help others facing similar situations and desire to provide quality and affordable representation during such trying times.

After graduating from Baylor Law School, Dietrich practiced law in Eastland, Texas, where he focused on matters of family law, oil and gas, criminal law, and real estate.  Over the next decade, he added contract negotiation, litigation and employment law to his repertoire.   In 2009, Dietrich joined Wagstaff LLP, a century old law firm based in Abilene. TX.  While at Wagstaff LLP, he managed a satellite office in Eastland, Texas until he remarried and moved to the Mansfield area in 2016.  While at Wagstaff, he focused on providing quality and affordable representation to clients in a small-town environment.

After relocating to Mansfield, he opened his own law firm where he focused primarily on family law, criminal law and oil and gas law, until joining the Law Office of Brandy Austin, PLLC in January of 2019. Dietrich feels very fortunate to have joined the Brandy Austin Law Firm.  There he has found an amazing team that is focused on providing affordable quality representation to clients in the Dallas Fort Worth and broader Texas area.  At the Brandy Austin Law Firm, every client matters no matter how big or how small.

Dietrich and his wife are the proud parents of two wonderful teenagers and two Labrador Retrievers named Brodie and Bella.  Bella was a rescue and Brodie was raised from a puppy.   Brodie is a lot like the yellow Labrador in the movie Marley and Me. Brodie likes to get into mischief by opening doors and letting himself in whenever and wherever he desires.  Brodie has been known to open the door to the pantry and open the dog food container so that he and Bella can feast until their hearts are content.  On another occasion, Brodie stole a whole cooked brisket off of the countertop and took it to his hiding place in the house to devour most of before he could be stopped.  Bella is the truly sneaky one of the two in that she is stealthy.  She also likes to cabinet surf for food, but she is very quiet.  On a recent occasion, she ate the dog sitter’s sandwich in the blink of an eye. When Brodie and Bella are not stealing food, they enjoy being outside and playing fetch or taking long walks around the neighborhood.

When he is not working, Dietrich enjoys many things such as attending live music events, spending time with family and friends, traveling, riding his motorcycle, playing golf, and cooking on one of his various smokers.  His favorite thing to cook is Texas style Brisket and hopes to compete nationally on the bar-b-q circuit one day.  Dietrich has had the opportunity to travel to England, France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Australia.  He and his wife also enjoy long motorcycle rides to the Hill country, where they can get away and just take in the beautiful scenery or short trips to have dinner in a nearby town.  Most recently he and his wife traveled to Australia to visit family and tour the Great Barrier Reef.  While in Australia, he and his wife snorkeled, played golf on a quite island and visited the Whit Sunday Islands where the sand is so white and pure that it never gets cold or hot.  It is so pure in fact that it was used to make the lens for the Hubble Space Telescope.  He and his wife hope to return to Australia soon to tour the Western and Southern portions of the country as well as his wife’s homeland of Scotland.

Dietrich and his wife are also active members of their local United Methodist Church, and they enjoy participating in local community outreach programs sponsored by the Church.

Licenses/Admissions:

• State Bar of Texas Since 2006
• United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas since 2015

Education:

Baylor Law School:  Waco, Texas

• Juris Doctorate 2005

McMurry University:  Abilene, Texas

• Bachelor of Arts Degree Magna Cum Laude 2000

Jennefer Lowe

Of Counsel

Location: Arlington, Texas
Phone: 817-841-9906
800-958-4948
Fax: 817-484-0280

Jennefer Lowe joined the firm in July 2015 as an Of Counsel Attorney.

After high school, Jennefer spent time serving the nation in the United States Navy. Jennefer earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2011. She went on to attend Baylor Law School where she participated in the National Security Moot Court Competition and served as a volunteer for their Veteran’s Clinic.

After graduating from Baylor Law School in 2014, Jennefer moved to San Antonio with her husband and daughter. She worked from home as an Of Counsel Attorney for several different firms around Texas, doing primarily research and appellate work. In 2016, Jennefer decided to turn her attention to the practice of Criminal Defense. She joined an attorney in the Waco area and began handling several criminal cases and learning that area of law.

In 2017, Jennefer moved to Fort Worth and joined the Brandy Austin Law Frim in May. She currently lives in the Fort Worth area with her husband and two children.

Bar Admissions

• Texas State Bar, 2014

Education

Baylor University School of Law, Waco, Texas

• Doctorate of Jurisprudence – 2014

Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona

• Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development – summa cum laude – 2011
• Honors: Dean’s List
• Honors: Top 10% of Graduating Class
• Major: Family and Human Development

Credentialed Mediator

Organizations

• McLennan County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• San Antonio criminal defense lawyers association
• Jennefer Lowe joined the firm in May 2016.
• After high school, Jennifer spent time serving the nation in the United States Navy. Jennefer earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2011. She went on to attend Baylor Law School where she participated in the National Security Moot Court Competition and served as a volunteer for their Veteran’s Clinic.
• Since graduating from law school, Jennefer moved to San Antonio and now Fort Worth where she currently lives with her husband and 2 children.
• Since graduating from law school, Jennefer moved to San Antonio and now Fort Worth where she currently lives with her husband and 2 children.

Jay Gueck has been practicing law for over 50 years, having graduated from law school at the University of Colorado in 1963. The year prior to graduation, Jay was a member of the Moot Court team which won the National Championship in New York City, and Jay was fortunate to be named as the outstanding speaker. The judges on the panel included Justice William Brennan and Justice Thurgood Marshal.

Upon graduation, Jay became an associate in the litigation firm of Hindry, Erickson & Meyer, in Denver, Colorado, where he devoted his attention to personal injury, family law, commercial litigation, and criminal defense. He continued with this practice for a number of years, becoming a partner in 1965, as the law firm evolved under different names until William Erickson was appointed to the Colorado Supreme Court, at which time the name of the firm became Morrato, Gueck & Colantuno. Jay remained a partner in that firm, continuing with the same areas of practice in which he had engaged for approximately 19 years. During this period of time, Jay was very involved in criminal defense, participating in seven murder cases, of which he was first chair in four of them, achieving acquittals or reduced charges in each case. Jay also successfully defended various public officials, including a district attorney, commissioner of revenue, superintendent of schools, and a county commissioner. In another matter, Jay was appointed by the U.S. District Court to defend a lawyer accused of fraud. This appointment involved an agreement with the U.S. Attorney whereby Jay and his client, who had worked closely with a Belgian baron in a fraud scam, were dispatched to Europe, with Jay posing as an investor, in an effort to entice the baron to return to the United States (neither the FBI nor Interpol could locate the baron), so that the baron could be arrested and returned to Colorado for trial. This venture was successful, and the client was granted immunity in return for his efforts and testimony. Jay determined to end his criminal defense career with this case, whereupon he was appointed, in 1982, to serve as a judge in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the District of Colorado. Jay served in this capacity until he and his family moved to Texas, in 1986.

Jay is often asked why he decided to move from Colorado to Texas. His response is that he hates the cold and the snow, and every winter in Colorado, said he was leaving – he finally did.

Upon moving to Texas, Jay became a partner in a large international law firm, devoting his attention primarily to bankruptcy. He continued in that area of the law, and later joined with various former partners to form what ultimately became the law firm of Olson Nicoud & Gueck, and Jay again expanded his practice to include the representation of plaintiffs in the areas of personal injury and resumed practice in commercial litigation, as well as bankruptcy.

Jay’s legal experience over the years has been in the litigation field, primarily in tort, commercial litigation, criminal representation, and bankruptcy, as well as an extensive practice
in appellate endeavors. During this period of time, Jay has had the opportunity to serve as lecturer in various litigation and bankruptcy seminars, and in 1981, served as President of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association.

In the course of Jay’s practice, both in Colorado and in Texas, he has been admitted to all state and federal courts in Colorado, including the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and, in 1972, he was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. After moving to Texas, Jay secured admission to all state and federal courts in Texas, and was admitted to practice before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. More recently, in 2016, Jay was retained to represent an oil company in defending a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, in Chicago. Jay secured a summary judgment for that client, and the case was dismissed. However, the plaintiff appealed, and Jay was then admitted to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, where he obtained a dismissal of the appeal.

In 1992, Jay completed training in mediation from Attorney-Mediators Institute, and was certified in May, 1992. Since that time, he has mediated various cases in the fields of commercial litigation, family matters, professional liability, torts, and bankruptcy. Jay continues to practice in litigation, and in bankruptcy, as well as in appellate matters.

When the lease expired for Olson Nicoud & Gueck, one partner retired, and Jay determined to continue to practice but move his practice closer to his home, in Arlington. Thus, he was able to secure a position with the Brandy Austin Law Firm, where he currently devotes his attention to bankruptcy, personal injury, and commercial litigation.

Hunter Herrera

Law Firm Administrator

Location: Arlington, Texas
Phone: 817-841-9906
800-958-4948
Fax: 817-484-0280

Hunter was born and raised in the small but growing town of Crowley, Texas. There he lived with his loving family consisting of his mother, younger brother and father. Early in his life his mother passed away after losing her battle with cancer. His father was and continues to be a strong role model for him. For the majority of Hunter’s life his father could be found in the service industry. Growing up Hunter remembers many of the bring your child to work days his father would him and his brother would attend. Little did he know this would feed is love for cooking and creating later in life.

Hunter’s childhood was full of love and care from his father’s family and friends who help raise him and his brother into their teen years. Hunter attended Crowley High School. He enjoyed going to class and making friend, some of which he still in touch with. In his graduating year Crowley High School developed a early career training center where we would rediscover his love for cooking and creating meal for his friends and family. He quickly became the  top of his Culinary Arts course lead by Chef Philpot, where he would study every little thing he could. He eventually he was handed the reigns of the schools Bistro where he learned to prepare and delegate simple hot sandwiches, serve beverages and run the cash register. To this day Hunter uses the skills he learned to prepare food for his friends and family as often as he can.

Having his culinary arts background it made it easy for Hunter to join the job force in food service. He began working as a line cook and a local wing bar in Burleson, Texas call Cocky’s Wing Bar. After awhile he discovered that growth at Cocky’s was limited at that point he decided to leave. A friend convinced him to join him as a delivery driver and later shift leader for the popular pizza delivery establishment Papa John’s. There he developed face to face customer service skill with people from all walks of life. This skill would later be essential to helping him with clients, and anyone who happened to walk into The Brandy Austin Law Firm office feel welcomed and warm.

After 3 years of working for Papa Johns it became clear to Hunter that the pace of growth had slowed down. He discovered a new opportunity as customer service representative (CSR) for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, he developed an understanding for the importance of client security. As CSR he helped keep client information secure and safe by screening each request and following the strict security guidelines set by the Federal Reserve Bank. After a year the travel from Fort Worth to Dallas proved too much to continue.

With his background of customer service positions and information security training, he turned his sights to the legal field. He figured that he would be an unlikely but natural fit. With hopes high he inquired about a position for a Legal Secretary at the Brandy Austin Law Firm. Now he welcomes any and everyone to Brandy Austin Law Firm with a smile on his face. For more than a year he went above and beyond for client and coworker alike. Eventually working his way up to Law Firm Administrator where he can use all the the skills he has developed to assist with the everyday operation of Brandy Austin Law Firm.

At the age of 22 he went from a party of one to a party of four overnight. After meeting at a mutual friends get together he and his now fiance quickly began to fall in love. After sometime and trust had been built  his now fiance would introduce him to the next chapter in his life fatherhood. It would begin by meeting his fiance’s pre-started family, her daughter and her son, and just as quickly as he fell in love with her, he  fall in love with them. He began to feel the puzzle coming together and at the age of 25 he and his fiance would open the next chapter of life their with their third child. Now Hunter lives in Fort Worth, Texas with his fiance and children, continuing to be a home supported by love.

Outside of work, Hunter enjoys spending time with his family, streaming movies, episodes of his favorite television shows, youtube internetainment, playing board games and video games. Among their watchlist is The The Game of Thrones, Star Wars movies, The Flash, This is Us, Modern Family, any of the Marvel movies, and Good Mythical Morning just to name a few. They try to go out and spend time together as much as they can.

While he doesn’t consider himself a diehard gamer (anymore) he does like to spend his free time playing games on his home computer Minecraft, Skyrim, Boarderlands series, and more often than not League of Legends (LOL) are among his favorite and most played games. He has been play computer games for a little over a decade but has in recent years found that tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons or Mutants and Masterminds and board games  like Ticket to Ride or Pandemic can be just as immersive and fun to play. Best of all these types of games are easy to travel with and can be taken to family events or friendly get togethers.

It is his mission in life to improve the quality of the lives around him at work or at home. To make everyone feel welcomed, loved or appreciated. Eventually, Hunter plans to go to school to further his education and improve upon his skills to more effectively take on the obstacle in the world around him. Later he would like the opportunity to open his own business to have something to pass down to his children. As a constant he will continue to strive for excellence and continue to work to improve the client/customer experience wherever he finds himself.

Kassandra Miller

I am Kassandra Miller, proud employee of The Brandy Austin Law Firm currently located in Arlington. I work in the Billing Department, I am also a criminal law legal assistant as well as a legal assistant for personal injury department in dealing with post litigation, and settlement.

On August 10th will be a year since I started working for Mrs. Austin and throughout that year I have acquired legal knowledge that helps me do better for not only me but the clients as well. I am able to explain the legal process to those who are not sure about the legal process. In other words, those who do not speak legalese (this is considered Attorney/Courts speak).

Now that I have explain my job I can share with you a bit about who I am. When I was little, I often traveled with my father because he was an over the road truck driver so I am well-traveled having been to most of the continental United States excluding four States. The States I have not traveled to are the Dakotas, Montana and Wyoming. Being well traveled has given me an appreciation for the vast diversities of people. Growing up primarily in Texas of which I was borne and mostly raised, travelling in our country, all over culturally speaking their differences from just state to state are vastly different. We may mostly all speak the same language; however, the differences in dialects is there.

What I do in my free time is I enjoy hockey, baseball, and working mechanically on cars. I enjoy spending time in the kitchen, and I really love reading sci-fi and mystery books. I have a passion for reading and have my entire life. It’s a form of escape but you are able to rehearsed in numerous cultures, places, events and it’s a hobby that I feel I will forever engage in.  An important factor in my life would be spending quality time with my family members. I am the youngest sibling of five children and not having any children of my own allows me the opportunity to spoil my nieces and nephews. I am closest with my oldest sister for she was my main caregiver as a child and growing into an adult. We spend a lot of time together doing many outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, photo shoots for my niece and tons of football, basketball and baseball games for my nephews.

I enjoy working on home improvements, vehicles and really enjoy going to car shows. I have been told numerous times that I am a tomboy but I enjoy getting pedicures, manicures and cooking also. I enjoy learning new things and enjoy new experiences. I was raised to rely on yourself to get things accomplished so I’m rehearsed in many gender-neutral activities.

I graduated from premier High School located in Fort Worth with Honors. I also attended Tarrant County College for a year and a half and with the demand of living decided to gain experience in the actual workforce day to day. I enjoy being able to assist people within the legal field and reassuring people in their time of need. As the Firm Billing Assistant, you have to be able to provide the clients comfort in knowing that their case is proceeding forward within the direction that they wish for it to proceed. When people see their bills they often become confused and frustrated with the legal process. I find comfort in speaking with them and providing them the knowledge that they are not alone.

As I discussed earlier, being the youngest of five siblings I was found myself in the emergency room quite often from either getting hit in the forehead by a Frisbee and needing stitches or falling off of my bicycle trying to keep up with the older siblings. I have had stitches numerous times opposed to my oldest siblings whom never seemed to have any ailments. The protection from my older siblings was trying at times. I will forever be known as the baby of the family and at times that can be difficult on its own. I love being able to share our childhood stories with my nieces and nephews. I also enjoy seeing the karma unfold within their children and having the luxury to having a front row seat to my sibling’s demise. There is a thirteen-year difference between myself and my oldest sister; therefore, my age allows me to understand my nieces and nephews a lot more than their parents. I am the fun-loving Auntie yet they are able to confide in me. I really enjoy being their go to person for advice or mediator between them and their parents.

As a child, I grew up wanting to become a Veterinarian. I love the unconditional love that comes from animals and I find great comfort in all animals alike. My life’s passion has always been to assist people and animals. I had a brief encounter whereas I wanted to work as a Social worker for Child Protective Services or children that struggled in poverty or abusive homes. However, my heart simply could not take the burden of not being able to personally save each child. Therefore, the next best thing is finding a career that is able to at least assist with the legal process one case at a time.

If I had to pick anywhere in the United States to live I would choose either Hawaii or Arizona. I am naturally constantly cold all the time so I prefer warm places throughout the year. I enjoy the warmth that Texas provides but the humidity that comes with the Texas heat is something that I most certainly could do without. I have a five-year plan in place to find my niche, possibly start a family of my own and discover what I am able to offer this world. I am a Christian and I have a duty to assist my community and I simply have to fine tune what I am able to do during my lifetime.

Jonna Lang

Attorney Liaison

I was born June 21,1990 in Fort Worth, TX to the best mother that has existed. From what I have been told I would not stop crying and while everyone else in the room hated it my doctor said it music to his ears. Growing up in single parent household taught me a lot and helped me learn about life a lot faster than most. I knew very young that education was key to being successful and creating a stable life. Unfortunately, I had a difficult time in school and once I turned 15 or 16 I dropped out of school and started working. I received my G.E.D. at around 17 years old and then got my CNA licenses and started working in a nursing home. After a couple of years working various jobs I decided to move out of the city to my parents in Whitney, TX. While I was in Whitney I worked for a coffee shop and a bank as a teller. A lot of the people I worked with were getting their degrees and talking about what they wanted to do with their future. I was encouraged hearing people’s stories and eventually my passion for an education and successful future was back. I tried attending an online college but ended up failing my first semester and thought maybe I was ready or maybe I was smart enough, so I took a year off.

During my year off I focused on my health and thinking about what I wanted to do with my life. I realized that I had always had a passion for helping others and fighting for a cause so I researched degrees with helping other people as their focus. My research pointed me towards social work so I contacted the local junior college and spoke to an advisor and I signed up for community college. After two semesters I moved to Maryland, Virginia and back to Arlington,Texas but continued at the community college by taking online classes. During that time I also failed my fourth semester but when I returned to DFW I applied to The University of Texas at Arlington and was accepted into the Social Work program. My second semester and my third semesters I added two minors to my degree program and a diversity certificate.

I loved college and I was thriving. I joined a women’s leadership program, a leadership honors program, a global change organization, and the Center For African American Studies Emerging Scholars Program. I did my best to network so that I would have connections once I was out of college. Participating in different organizations and learning about other cultures I noticed that there were somethings that needed to change so I decided that once I completed my undergrad I would attend law school and become an attorney. I contacted the Pre-Law Center at my university and applied for an internship for a law firm. I actually had no clue what firm I was applying to and I had no idea what I would be doing but I knew that if I didnt take the risk I would never know if I could get the internship. Some how they liked me and I got the internship at Brandy Austin Law Firm. I interned there throughout the summer while also working full time at Starbucks and taking three classes. When summer ended Brandy Austin Law Firm asked if I would stay as the marketing director. Again I had no idea what I was doing but I knew I wanted a career in law and I would be stupid to pass up the opportunity to work in a law firm. As the marketing director I help with all social media platforms, help with filming the firm’s live show, and help plan events throughout the year. I have learned many things about since starting with the Brandy Austin Law Firm and as I continue my journey through school I hope that I continue to learn and grow.

I graduate May 2018 with my BSW and plan to continue my education in law. While being the marketing director isn’t direct hands on with cases I still have the opportunity to hear certain aspects of law, learn about the business of law, and how to treat people with respect. Working at the Brandy Austin Law Firm has given me the opportunity to have a balance between my job and family. I have two older sisters that I enjoy spending time with along with their children. I have seven nieces and nephews that keep me busy on the weekends. Spending time with my family is very important and I am lucky enough to have time to spend with them. I have a three-year-old Alaskan Malamute that never stops shedding and I have been married two years April 24th. My stepfather has been one of my biggest supporters through college and I couldn’t be more thankful. My graduation is a huge milestone for someone in my family and every day I do my best to make those around me proud.

I have been blessed in life to experience many of the things I have experienced and to have the opportunities I have. It is important to me that I wake up every day and make it the best it can be. I try to have gratitude for what I already have and work hard for the things that I want. Working as the marketing director for Brandy Austin Law Firm is a learning experience everyday but I have fun with it, stay positive, and try to lift spirits in the office any chance that I get. I remain committed every day and do my best every chance I have. It is important that whatever environment I am in I leave only positivity behind. Negativity isn’t helpful, and I have made the decision to try to bring a little light wherever I go including the company I work for, Brandy Austin Law Firm.

Kelly Lindsey

I was born in one of the most beautiful states, North Carolina. I know that most people think their state is the one of the greats, but North Carolina really is. The mountains, the foothills, and the beaches. Seven lighthouses that scatter the shoreline and islands that belong to wild horses. One of the first 13 states and home to the lost colony of Roanoke. To ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains in in the fall, is a beautiful sight to see. With the leaves turning beautiful colors, of fire red and yellow with many other colors thrown in. People from all over the country come to see the change. Being settled in the foothills meant my family could drive fairly short distances and be either in the mountains or go the other way and hit the beaches. My favorite times were always when the Highland Games came to Grandfather Mountain in Asheville. Taking these trips and learning about where people came from always intrigued me, still does to this day.

I would love to travel all over the world. Almost anyone can travel to see something nowadays. You don’t have to wait until you get vacation time approved, you can just go for a weekend, or even a day trip. Sometimes, my husband and I like to go down to San Antonio for a weekend, and spend time on the Riverwalk. Traveling is something that is very important to me. The world has a lot to offer, I hope to take advantage of that.

At 24 I left my home state and moved to Texas. There is no other place on Earth quite like Texas. It take more than thirteen hours to drive the length. Bluebonnets in the springtime are a beautiful sight to see. From El Paso to Austin, every city is different and beautiful and vibrant. The food here is better than anywhere else. As someone who was born and raised on the east coast, I never thought about the history of the West. But the more that I am here, the more I love it. I learn new things about the environment every day. There is a saying about the people that transplanted here. “I wasn’t born here, but I got here as fast as I could.”

At 30 years old, I got married and purchased a home, all in the same year. It was absolutely overwhelming and terrifying. I met my husband not long after I moved to Texas. We have been pretty much inseparable ever since. After six years, we finally got married. So far that was a pretty good decision. Purchasing a home was even scarier. So far, that has also been a great decision.

My whole life I have had a passion for animals. I’ve been around them since the day I was born and I would have to sit here and think of a time where there wasn’t a pet around me. Every dog is the best dog. I don’t know what I would do without my dog. She really has saved me. We have also taken in an elder dog that I have known since he was a puppy. He is a wonderful grumpy old man. Both dogs are larger Chihuahuas. Our cat however, has a very large attitude. In fact, she may even be a bit big for her britches. But my husband found her as a lonely survivor of a litter of kittens in the rain. She gets away with a lot.

My family is a wonderful family. They are there through it all, the good days and the bad. A sister who taught me how to be an adult, who taught me how to pretty much everything. Between my own family and my husband’s family, someone is always there for us. It is a great feeling, knowing you have people behind you that you know want to see you succeed and be happy. I am forever grateful for that.

I have a long wonderful history with video games. Starting with a regular Nintendo and Super Mario Brothers. I will always remember hanging out in front of the T.V. laying on the pull out couch. I then graduated to an original Gameboy, that was life changing. Handheld. Sometime you had to play in the bathroom just to have enough light. My next console was the Nintendo 64. Donkey Kong was my absolute favorite. We didn’t have much money so I did not have another console of my own until the Xbox360. I still played on everyone else’s system, so I didn’t miss out on much. I have moved to the P.C. for the most part lately. There is something nice about being able to build a computer that fits your needs exactly.

Living in Texas has opened my eyes to so much great food. In Fort Worth, the choices are limitless. Any type of food you could think of, it’s here. If for some reason it isn’t here, you can go to Austin and find it there. I love being able to try new things and eat something that is new and exciting. If only there were more themed restaurants in the area.

Before becoming a legal assistant I was supervisor to over 40 people on jobs where we would go in after a Wal-Mart was built and install all of the shelving, cash registers, and even build the dressing room. It was a physically demanding job that granted me the opportunity to travel. I got to drive across country multiple times with my husband and our one dog at the time.

Becoming a legal assistant has been very rewarding for me. I have been able to lay down roots in a place and learn something new. I’m so very happy that I have been able to learn a new skill and help people in the process. I have delivered for meals on wheels and was active in the Chamber of Commerce for multiple years. I hope to continue my career and provide assistance to those in need.

Heather D. Jamieson

Paralegal

Location: Arlington, Texas
Phone: 817-841-9906
800-958-4948
Fax: 817-484-0280

After personally dealing with the trauma of a wrongful-death lawsuit, Heather D. Jamieson embarked on a journey to be of legal assistance to her community. She has numerous years of experience in facilitating clients through difficult times in a general practice legal environment. Heather has assisted in making difficult times, such as the loss of a loved one, a little more bearable by connecting with her clients and sharing her own experiences. She has facilitated numerous workshops for the elderly allowing them to prepare for the future through a variety of options, such as wills, trusts, trust litigation, guardianships, VA benefits or applying for Social Security.

In addition to her passion for estate planning, probate law, and elder law, Heather D. Jamieson is a general practice Senior Paralegal having knowledge to family law, personal injury, civil litigation and business law. Child Custody cases or even divorce cases are a very emotional time for any client. Heather is dedicated to being that support for the clients to feel safe again, even in an unknown situation. At the Brandy Austin Law Firm, she generally focuses on her own department dealing with wills, trusts, trust litigation, guardianships, elder law, VA benefits or applying for Social Security but you can always find her assisting with other areas of law.

Heather is an advocate for the LGBT community, often focusing on supporting the elderly LGBT community and preparing wills and trusts protecting families and assets, that can withstand ever-changing laws.

Heather was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas but also calls North Carolina her home away from home. She has three children including the adoption of her niece. Her children vary in age; however, all in which are to graduate High School in the year 2018. One of her daughters is currently attending college at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Heather’s son and adopted niece graduate the summer of 2018 and both have high expectations to be of civic service members to their communities.

Heather is the oldest of five siblings whereas she has two brothers and two sisters. She grew up in an average home where her mother was a stay at home care provider and her father is an experienced over the road truck driver. With her father being away from the household for long lengths of time; Heather quickly assumed the role as a caretaker for her siblings. With thirteen years’ difference between herself and her youngest sibling; her youngest sister was raised more so as her own child. She has an extremely close relationship with her sister after all these years.

Heather attended Southwest High School located in Fort Worth, Texas and proceed on to college at Everest University where she graduated with Honors and was awarded the Cum Laude award while obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Science while majoring in Paralegal Studies. She also has her Associates Decree in Criminal Justice and was also awarded with honors in Cum Laude. She has been an active Notary for the State of Texas since 2012.

Heather is an avid animal lover and is an advocate for animals. She currently has four dogs, a fancy bearded dragon, an anole lizard, a long-tailed lizard, a tree frog and a beta fish. She has assisted with dog rescues and assisted with training of police dogs for local police departments. She has had numerous types of animals ranging from flying squirrels to a baby alligator. Heather grew up with a passion for animals and her dream would be to own enough land to start her own Sanctuary or Reservation for injured animals.

She is part of organizations and raising awareness for disaster relief, non-profit children’s sporting charities, American Society of Colposcopy, United Ostomy Association of America, Inc., Volunteer Relief for Cook’s Children’s hospital, Gladney Center, The Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels Volunteer, and the Wounded Warriors Foundation. She is also a member of Professional Serving Seniors that meets on a monthly basis to facilitate events that benefit the elderly. Heather enjoys speaking to the community regarding education for estate planning and estates in general. She also enjoys working with those who may be less fortunate and being their voice when needed. She has a great passion in assisting our Veterans and has the determination to assist them with obtaining benefits they deserve.

Heather enjoys spending time with her family on the weekends doing activities such as gardening, hiking, watching movies and experimenting with new varieties of foods for recipes. Her youngest is a model on her spare time, and they often travel for photo shoots. Heather has published several articles for magazine’s supporting young models to be unique, individualistic and offers uplifting advice to them. She has also been published with her daughter in magazine’s but prefers to be behind the scenes opposed to being in the light. Heather also enjoys writing poetry and writing was her outlet growing up. She has had her poems published in Literature Books also. She is an avid outdoors person and especially enjoys spring and fall of the seasons. You can always find her outside with one of her animals enjoying the day.

Although Heather’s original dream was to become a Zoologist, God has blessed her with a serving heart. She has abilities to assist others with their legal situations and easily facilitates strategies to resolve them at an affordable cost. Heather is able to assist in resolving complexed issues and has an amazing team at the Brandy Austin Law Firm to assist in executing the legal actions needed to provide the clients with peace of mind knowing that their legal needs are handled. Heather is proud to call Brandy Austin Law Firm here home and working as the Senior Paralegal for the Firm brings her much joy in knowing that likeminded people are willing to go above and beyond to assist their community.