My name is Danielle Cortez-Harper, I was born in Dallas, Texas and I grew up in Rowlett, Texas. Growing up I played a multitude of sports including soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, cheer, tap, ballet and jazz. I graduated from Garland High School in 1993 and received an academic scholarship to The University of Texas at Austin. While at UT, I was a member of Mu Epsilon Theta sorority, Hispanic Business Students Associated, and played intramural soccer. I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Degree in Finance in 1997. I then attended the Dedmon School of Law at Southern Methodist University (SMU) and graduated in 2000. I got married to my husband the same year. We have been married for going on 24 years. We have two sons, ages 21 and 15. I have enjoyed watching my kids participate in all of their extracurricular activities such as football, baseball and basketball. We have two cats and a dog. I enjoy reading in my spare time and traveling. I have been licensed to practice law in the State of Texas for 23 years. When first graduating from law school, I wasn’t sure what type of law I wanted to pursue. I was lucky enough to get my first job with a solo practitioner named David Lopez. I gained valuable experience in the field of family law while working with him. He eventually became a Dallas County Family District Court Judge and continued to be a mentor. I enjoy working in the Family Law community. I have met so many amazing attorneys and colleagues throughout the years. I love engaging with my clients and helping people find reasonable solutions to their legal matter, no matter how big or small.

Mr. Pierret attended the University of Dallas on full academic scholarship, obtaining a degree in Philosophy, and went straight to law school at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. His first job as an attorney brought him to Fort Worth as a briefing attorney for Justices Clyde Ashworth and David Farris on the Fort Worth Court of Appeals, and he has remained in Tarrant County for the past 35 years. Mr. Pierret’s practice has always revolved around tort law, both plaintiff and defense, and he has been Board-certified in Civil Trial Law since 1991 and Personal Injury Law since 1998. He received a Top 10 Attorney Award in 2020 from the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, and his practice at Bailey & Galyen is devoted to representing those who have been injured by someone else’s negligence.

With 36 years of legal experience, Jane Mapes has dedicated the past 26 years to Family Law in Texas. After starting her career in real estate and personal injury law in Florida, she moved to Texas in 1996 and quickly became well-versed in the courts of Tarrant and Dallas Counties. Since joining Bailey & Galyen in 1999, she has focused exclusively on helping families navigate complex legal matters.

Attorney Lori Shannon focuses her practice on family law, representing clients out of the Bailey & Galyen offices in Bedford, Texas. Originally from Sweetwater, Texas, Lori graduated for Texas Tech University, in Lubbock, earning her bachelors degree in advertising. She then worked in television and radio before returning to school, completing her juris doctor at the Texas Tech School of Law. Upon graduation and admission to the Texas State Bar, Lori honed her trial skills as a city prosecutor. An Assistant Attorney General in Texas for 23 years, she has extensive experience in matters related to both paternity establishment and exclusion, as well as establishment, modification and enforcement of child support and medical support. Her practice experience also includes employment law, criminal law and general civil law. She has also served as a managing attorney for the Office of the Attorney General of Texas.

Turner Thornton is a highly-regarded Fort Worth family law attorney who leads Varghese Summersett Family Law Group. A skilled negotiator and experienced litigator, Turner has successfully guided hundreds of individuals and families through the most tumultuous time of their lives. Divorce, child custody disputes, and property division are among the most contentious and complex cases in the legal system. Turner understands the intricacies and complexities involved in family law and works strategically to find and implement the best strategy for each client. While many cases are resolved through mediation, others require an aggressive courtroom battle. Turner is skilled in all aspects of case resolution and treats every person who walks through his door with honesty, professionalism, and compassion. In addition to being a highly adept lawyer, Turner is also a family man with deep ties to the community. He was born and raised in North Texas along with his older sister, Katie. He attended Martin High School in Arlington. After high school, Turner attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated in 2009. Afterward, he returned to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to attend Texas A&M University School of Law (formerly Texas Wesleyan University). There, he obtained his law degree and also met his future wife, Alex – who is a defense attorney at VARGHESE SUMMERSETT. Turner and Alex recently welcomed their first child, Charlotte. They are also the proud parents of two dachshunds, Clifford and Annie. Fun Fact: In 2015, Turner appeared on the game show, Celebrity Name Game — and won.