Yesha Patel

Associate Attorney

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

Bar Admissions:

• Texas, 2015
• S. District Court Northern District of Texas, 2017

Education:

J.D., Oklahoma City University School of Law, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; 2015

• President of Texas Legal Society
• Jodi G. Marquette American Indian Wills Clinic
• Women’s Law
• Member, Phi Alpha Delta

B.A., University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas; 2015

• Dean’s List
• Cum Laude
• Indian Student Association, Member.

Memberships:

• The William ‘Mac’ Taylor American Inn of Court, Member.
• Tarrant County Trial Lawyers Association, Member.
• Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Member.
• Arlington Young Lawyers Association, Director of Marketing.

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 wh““ich 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 shit 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.

LILIBETH JARAMILLO

Jr. Paralegal

Lilibeth was born in Dallas, TX to Mexican parents and is the oldest of 4 children. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. She is the oldest of her siblings and also the only girl. As the oldest of her siblings, she has always strived to be a good example for her brothers. She helped her parents watch over her younger brothers and learned responsibility at a young age. Lilibeth has lived in Texas most of her life. She and her parents briefly moved to Colorado when she was 4 then moved back to Texas 2 years later. She has since lived in Grand Prairie and still lives there now. Her childhood included summer trips to Mexico and many family gatherings. Although she does not get to visit Mexico as often anymore, she still loves the country, the laid back culture, great food, and her grandparent’s home. Family is extremely important to Lilibeth. Both of her parents come from big families. Her mom is 1 of 11 children, and her dad is 1 of 6 children. This meant growing up with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Cookouts and parties with lots of food and music were a great part of her childhood. Her family has of course kept growing since then and not many of those things have changed. Lilibeth attended Grand Prairie High School. While in school, she worked at a retail store and a restaurant part-time. This is when she first gained her skills in customer service. She also realized she liked working with people. Lilibeth graduated high school in 2007.

After high school, her first job was at Allstate Insurance Company. She worked as a customer report administrator in the bilingual department. She was able to utilize her Spanish skills to help customers open new claims and talk them through a stressful event. Her job included taking the initial claim loss reports which primarily included motor vehicle accidents and homeowners claims. She enjoyed talking to Spanish speaking customers located all over the United States. After a little over a year at Allstate, the bilingual department relocated to New Mexico. She was given the option to transfer to another department within the company but Lilibeth decided to leave instead. She was ready to try something new.

Lilibeth joined the legal field in April 2009 when a friend referred her to the firm where she was working at. She was told about an open position and although she had not considered working in the legal field before, she decided to give it a try. Lilibeth accepted a position at a small collections law firm in Carrollton, TX. She started as a legal receptionist and then transitioned to an administrative clerk. She realized she enjoyed the office environment and what she thought would be something temporary, turned into a permanent position. She then decided to continue a career in the legal field and wanted to learn as much as she could. Her duties often changed as the firm grew. She answered phones, learned to recognize legal documents, drafted letters and motions, and frequently communicated with courts and other attorneys. She also managed the legal operations department and assisted with all incoming mail, document processing, and training. Lilibeth was also part of implementing new processes to increase productivity in the legal operations department. The firm is now one of the top collection law firms in Texas and even expanded to other states. Although it was a great experience to be part of such a fast growing law firm, after almost 8 years, Lilibeth decided it was time to take her skills to a new firm. Hoping for a new experience and to expand her knowledge about the legal field, Lilibeth joined the Brandy Austin Law Firm in March of 2017. What attracted her to the Brandy Austin Law Firm was the diversity of the team and all of the different areas of practice. She knew she would be able to help a lot more people there. Lilibeth started as a legal secretary and her role in the firm has since changed to Attorney Liaison. As the firm’s Attorney Liaison, Lilibeth is responsible for the intake process which includes taking calls and setting up new consultations. She is the first point of contact for potential clients and is there to answer any questions about the services provided at the Brandy Austin Law Firm. She also reviews the retainer agreements with new clients, greets visitors, takes payments, and sets up new files. What she likes the most about working at the Brandy Austin Law Firm is working with a great team and having the same goal of providing clients with a great experience. She enjoys getting to know and talking to clients of the firm and hopes to assist them in overcoming the legal issues they may be facing. She wants to keep learning about the law to continue to help people.

Lilibeth purchased her first home with her fiancé in 2014. She has an 8 year old son and will soon welcome a baby girl due June 2018. She also has an english bulldog named Hercules. He’s one of the sweetest and most loving dogs. One of the things Lilibeth is most proud of and enjoys the most is being a mom. Her family is her motivation. On the weekends, Lilibeth spends the days with family trying new restaurants, shops, and doing things her son enjoys. Her ideal vacation would be spending the day at the beach with her family. She also loves watching anything on the Food Network and HGTV. She loves cooking and especially trying new recipes. Lilibeth is always looking for a new book to read. One of her many hobbies is attending concerts, especially when she can see the artists in smaller venues. And like many women, she is obsessed with fashion.

Lilibeth received her Paralegal Certificate from Southern Methodist University in March 2018. She hopes to continue her career in the legal field and her education.

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.

Caitie Ginn

I have a great deal of experience in the legal field at such a young age. I was a private investigator at the age of 18 focusing on criminal, civil and family law as well as administrative work with my family’s business for the last 8 years and managed it times. I was the lead investigator under my Father who was the heart and soul of the operation and under me there was at least two investigators at any given point. Being an investigator came to me naturally since I grew up watching my Father and participating on the cases I could. I remember when I would go with my Father on weekends and I would be upset when he told me that we had to “go do some sleuthing.” As soon as we would get to where ever it was that we were going my instincts would kick in and I would feverishly write down what all I observed including the neighbors, kids on bikes, vehicle license plates and pretty much everything else. I loved being a private investigator but like any other job dealing with crime, over time, it begins to take a toll on you. A bulk of my work was court-appointed criminal work and therefore I have seen the not-so-great side of people. While I kept my license and would do work from time to time I decided to pursue other career options.

I then put myself through real estate school and became a licensed Realtor for Keller Williams for two years, as of now my license in inactive. I had interned in high school for two different brokers and always found the business and the social settings very attractive. I never had the chance to experience commercial real estate which had been a goal of mine had I stayed in real estate. I greatly enjoyed being a realtor but being young in that business does you more harm than good. As a realtor, you essentially run your own business and the overhead to quite hefty to bear on your own. It was a definite struggle to keep my head above water living paycheck to paycheck. I decided it was time for a change.

I then re-routed my career and when back to work in the legal field and worked as a legal assistant/administrative assistant in Downtown Fort Worth. When Mr. Boss was offered an ADA position in another county I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. At the time I hadn’t been an assistant for long and I happened to find an attorney that I worked for as a private investigator who was needing an assistant. While working party time as a legal assistant I started attending Tarrant County College. I first had to finish up my Associate of Arts Degree and graduated in 2016. I then decided I wanted to further my career in the legal field so I went back to Tarrant County College and enrolled in the Paralegal Program and graduated in December of 2017 with my Associates in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies. I am also a member of the State Bar of Texas, Paralegal Division. In the future, I hope to further my career by obtaining my bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or at the very least, expand my knowledge by taking specific family law CLE courses and become a certified family law paralegal.

I also greatly enjoy real estate law since I have experience in the world of real estate. Depending on where my path takes me I would like to switch over to real estate law and broaden my knowledge. Maybe get into commercial real estate law or even oil and gas. For me, it is hard to know or say that one certain thing is going to happen. There is always other forces at hand and you never know what life is going to put in your path. It is also important that you learn how to “roll with it.” Forcing yourself to evade change causes things to go wrong and you may miss an opportunity that could’ve made all the difference. Change is the only constant.

I am a big lover of nature, plants, animals and the outdoors. I love to hike, swim and just be outside in general. Gardening is a good way to exercise patience and reap the benefits of the reenergizing properties that dirt and plants have. Nothing better that a Saturday morning full of gardening and getting your hands dirty then just as it gets real hot out, go and jump in the pool and lay out for awhile.  I consider myself a very artsy person and love creative expression. I started painting at an early age with my grandfather. I don’t paint nearly as much as I used to but I find other ways to let out my build up of creative energy. I like to design, paint, craft, DIY, sew…you name it! I think it’s very important for people that work a 8-5 desk job to have a creative outlets so that you don’t run the risk of getting “burnt out” at your job.

I have found that over the years of working in such a serious field, it is vital to have an outlet of any sort. As it is not healthy to constantly surround yourself with all negative energy and none of the positive. Just as important, is that you leave work at work! I make sure that this is the case, or do my best, everyday. Especially working in family law, there is degree of attachment you feel when you are helping people with their lives. I think a lot of people in the legal field forget that from time-to-time and it’s important. You owe the duty to your client to be present (mentally) for them and for the duration of their case. So to that I say – take that day off for yourself or take that vacation!

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.

Maria Mercedes Torres

Maria Mercedes Torres is a legal assistant for the Brandy Austin Law Firm.  Maria initiated her path into the legal field at Brandy Austin Law Firm in June of 2016. Her starting position at the firm was a part time office assistant and translator for our Spanish speaking clients; while working a full time job. All the hard work and dedication she invested in the firm has been substantial, and was promoted as our full time Family Law legal assistant on December of 2016. Since, she has been transferred to the Personal Injury department where she continues her hard work and dedication.

As a legal assistant of the Brandy Austin Law Firm Maria is responsible for the initial process of a personal injury claim. This consists of opening claims, confirming client’s coverages, and communicating with clients. She periodically contacts clients to address any questions or concerns and also provide clients with any updates in a clients case. Maria also translates for the firm. She often translates for the Family Law department, and just about any area of practice that needs her bilingual skills.

Aside from assisting at the firm Maria also attends to marketing/networking events on behalf of the Brandy Austin Law Firm. Maria attends to Business Over Breakfast also known as B.O.B. and the Chamber After Hours hosted by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Maria is also familiar with the networking group B.N.I Shady Valley were she occasionally attends.

Maria graduated from the Oscar Dean Wyatt High School in June 2014. During her high school career Maria was a member of the Marching/Concert Band. In band she participated in several U.I.L. Competitions while playing the Saxophone. Her senior year in Marching Band Maria set her saxophone aside to play the role of Drum Major. Maria is also a sports fanatic. In high school she played Softball and Soccer. Maria experienced the college life right after high school and after her experience in the legal field Maria has been encouraged to further her education in the legal field. She will be returning to school in the Fall of 2018.

Outside of the law firm Maria lives an average life of a young adult. Maria was born in Durango, Durango Mexico and raised in the United States of America. She is the oldest of three children and the only girl. There is a 17 year gap between her and her younger brother. She enjoys to spend time with her siblings and often forgets her own age as she’s enjoying the activities with the her younger brothers. Maria did not continue her career in sports but still supports her favorite teams. Her favorite soccer team is Club America, they are part of the Mexican League, “Liga MX”. Her favorite baseball team is the Texas Rangers she often enjoys attending their games. Even though Maria does not understand the concept of Football she happily sits next to her significant other and cheers for the Dallas Cowboys. Maria also loves to travel and spend time outdoors.

Christine Bielawski

I was born in Queens, New York, but moved to Texas when I was four, so I do not have much of an accent and I do consider myself a true Texan.  Growing up in Arlington, I attended Dunn Elementary, Young Jr. High and graduated from Martin High School in 1985.  Our graduating class was the first to go through all grades to graduate at new Martin.  Most of my high school friends still live in Arlington or in the area and we get together very often.  Arlington certainly has changed since that time, but it is still a great place to live and work.  I am very thankful to be able to work closer to home because most of my paralegal career was traveling to downtown Dallas.

I have two sons, Ryan (24) and Matthew (19).  Ryan attends college at Dallas Baptist University and Matthew did too, but will be transferring to Texas State in the fall.  Ryan is getting his degree in IT and Matthew wants to be an oil and gas engineer.  They are both working and going to school full time so they stay pretty busy.

When my kids were young I wanted to open my own business, so I could work close to home. I started Encore Upscale Resale in Midlothian.  I negotiated the commercial space, designed the layout of the store and set up the consignment software program. It was a small business, but I ran it like a large corporation, I even had an operating manual that I would hand out to new employees. After four years, and both kids were in school, I decided to sell the business and after fifteen years in business it is still there today and in the same location.  I am pretty proud of that.  After I sold that business, I considered different jobs I had in the past and knew that I was detail-oriented, loved paperwork and deadlines, so a friend suggested a paralegal career.  I went to Navarro College, so it was close to home and earned my paralegal degree in 2005 and Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies in 2006.  I have worked in criminal defense, personal injury, but mostly insurance defense.  Which would cover everything from large corporate litigation to car wreck cases.  I have learned so much about different types of businesses, products and vehicles.  On one case, I was tasked to obtain boat training course materials and the only way to do that was to take the course, so I am a Certified Boat Captain.  It continues to be a very rewarding and challenging career and it’s certainly nice to finalize to case and get a great outcome for our clients.

In 2017, I met the love of my life and we were married in May of 2018.  My husband, Blake and I have two dogs, a French Bulldog named Lola and a Golden Retriever named Cassie.  In my spare time, I enjoy yoga, gardening, cooking and different projects on my house.  We currently live in South Arlington but purchased a “new” home in North Arlington.  It was built in 1971 and needs a complete remodel.  It has been fun picking out new designs for all the kitchen and bath ideas.  It has been a passion of mine to purchase older homes and completely redo and modernize it.  Currently I have two rent houses and looking to purchase another two very soon.

I recently joined the Brandy Austin Law Firm as a Personal Injury Paralegal.  I meet with new clients, listen to their case details and we customize the service of the case based upon the needs of the individual client.  Every case is different.  Everyone has different needs.  I have worked for a few law firms in the past, but I have never seen such a well-organized and expertly run firm.  I am super excited and proud to be joining such a winning team.

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.