HCCLA Board of Directors Nominations
March 18, 2024 – ends March 28, 2024 at 5:00 pm
for Board of Directors (choose 8):
Staci Biggar
I have been on the board for several terms. I believe an active board makes a big difference for the organization. As many meetings we can attend and be a part of makes our collective voice heard. I would like to continue to be an advocate for HCCLA.
Sean Darvishi
I would like to continue to serve on the Board to continue to make a difference in our legal community and give a voice to those who are afraid to be vocal. I’ve been practicing now in Harris County for nearly a decade and want to continue making this a better place to practice. Additionally, having representatives from the younger generations of defense lawyers is important as we often get drowned out amongst our more senior members of the bar. I can and will be that voice.
Sylvia Escobedo
I graduated from The University of Texas School of Law in 1995. I was hired as a pre-commit at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in 1995, working there as an Assistant District Attorney from 1995-2009. I have been in private practice as a criminal defense attorney from 2009-the present. I have a significant amount of experience in criminal law, specifically in Harris County felony courts.
I have been disappointed by what has been occurring in the CJC over the past several years, and I want a more active role with HCCLA to help address these issues. I am a zealous advocate for my clients, yet I am frustrated by current policies in some courts, directives from the current DAO, and the conditions at the HCJ which are impeding our ability to effectively communicate with our clients. Things need to change, and I am not afraid to speak my mind. I attend the meetings with the judiciary and voice my concerns about the current problems we are facing as defense lawyers.
I want to be on the HCCLA Board of Directors so I can take a more meaningful role on behalf of the defense bar.
Kate Ferrell
I have loved being HCCLA’s Secretary for the last two years. However, I am ready to return to being a board member so I can concentrate on heading up the Second Chair program and coordinating the Luau.
Ryan S. Fremuth
I desire to give back to the community of HCCLA which has been there for everyone with support and encouragement. The community is what makes our jobs manageable and I would love to assist in anyway possible!
Chris McKinney
I am honored to seek a position on the Board of Directors for HCCLA. Since becoming a member in 2018, I have seen the passion this organization and its membership bring in committing to making meaningful change and contributions to our criminal justice system in Harris County. I believe that our collective voice is what sets us apart from other organizations and I am dedicated to furthering our mission of support for our members in the relentless advocacy for our clients. I promise to continue that.
Stephanie Morales
It has been a privilege to be able to serve on the HCCLA Board. There is so much more work to do and I would love to continue being a part of it. I want to bring more CLEs, and more events for members to get together so we can support each other and learn from each other. I have been practicing in Harris County for over 10 years and I have seen the influx of new defense attorneys lately. I want to bring us all together, so we can collectively advocate for our clients and the rights of all the accused.
Jonathan Julio Vela
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as a board member for HCCLA over the previous two years. Our organization represents the greatest collective of criminal defense attorneys across the State of Texas and I would love nothing more than to continue working on behalf of HCCLA and its members to better our community and advance the defense bar’s interests in and around Harris County.
Angela Weltin
HCCLA is filled with incredibly talented and good-hearted attorneys. I have served the last two years as a member of the board of directors for our organization and am recommitting my support to our criminal defense community by asking to continue my role as a board member. I believe in the value of mentorship, fellowship, and dynamic training, and hope to help serve in these areas.
2024-2025 Officers: (uncontested)
Joe Vinas President
Brent Mayr President-Elect
Damon Parrish II Vice-President
Justin C. Harris Treasurer
Vik Vij Secretary
Murray Newman Immediate Past President
