After law school, I did not know what kind of law I’d practice. But I knew I wanted to be a trial lawyer. I interned with a general practice law firm. There, I handled divorces, custody disputes, criminal cases, and personal injury cases.

I became passionate about using my law degree to help others. Since becoming licensed in 1991, I’ve dedicated most of my career representing clients injured by the negligence of others. Before opening my own practice in 2010, I worked in both large and small personal injury practices. The Avant Law Firm does not advertise. Most cases come to us as referrals from other attorneys, law firms, and former clients. The size of our firm allows us to be selective about the cases we take and focus our attention on the needs of our clients.

For 25 years, I’ve represented many different people from different walks of life. Some suffered injuries that resolved with time. Others suffered injuries that were catastrophic. Regardless of the injury, everyone harmed by someone else wants to be heard. It’s hard to think of anything more valuable than good health and a full life. When that is taken away, the result can be devastating mentally and physically. For clients, it is my responsibility to hold the negligent party accountable. I believe this helps not just my client, but the community as a whole.

Unfortunately, holding negligent parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused has become more difficult. Today, it is not uncommon for a doctor to refuse treatment to a patient represented by an attorney. Insurance companies routinely deny claims that should have been paid. Insurance adjusters force injured parties to file lawsuits even though the other party admits fault. Trial judges put time constraints on attorneys who’ve waited two years to get to trial. Defense attorneys are paid by insurance companies to argue injured parties were never hurt.

The result has been increased litigation, the inability to obtain treatment from a physician of a party’s choice, and trials that are less fair and impartial.

Today, with so much happening in the world, obtaining a fair trial might seem like someone else’s problem. Jurors are frustrated because trials takes them away from jobs and families. Judges are overwhelmed by the number of cases on their trial docket.

But chances are, someday most of us will know someone injured by the negligence of another, or suffer some injury ourselves. When that day comes, we will want to be treated fairly. That’s what I ask for my clients. I ask for my clients only what any of us would ask for ourselves and those we care about.

To my clients, thank you for entrusting me with your case. To the jurors, thank you for your time and patience hearing my clients’ stories. To the judges, thank you for your service to our profession.

EDUCATION

After graduating from Southern Methodist University in Dallas with a degree in journalism, I worked at a daily newspaper. I started out as a reporter, then as a weekly columnist, and finally as a section editor. A desire to help those in need, rather than simply write their story, pushed me to graduate from St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio.

LICENSED

I am licensed to practice law in Texas state courts and U.S. federal courts. I’m also board certified by the Texas State Bar Association in the specialty of personal injury law.

EXPERIENCE

I’ve tried more than 250 civil jury trials in county and district courts throughout the State of Texas. I have argued before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and have appeared in federal courts for the Northern District, Eastern District, and Southern District. All my cases involve injuries of some kind, whether caused by a negligent driver, a defective product, or an improper medical diagnosis.

MEMBERSHIPS

I am a member of the Texas State Bar, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Dallas Bar Association, and Dallas Trial Lawyers Association. In past years, I’ve served on various committees devoted to educating the public about the legal profession and the public’s legal rights through seminars and classroom instruction.

I’ve helped coach teams and judge high school mock trial competitions. I’ve served on committees aimed at improving the relationship between attorneys on both sides of the bar, and with judges in Dallas County.

OUTSIDE OF LAW

Outside of law, I enjoy spin classes, outdoor distance running, travel, musical theater, scuba diving and spending time with my husband and growing family of rescue animal