For over two decades, Jacob Monty has successfully practiced at the intersection of immigration, labor, and employment laws. A nationally recognized authority on issues facing employers with large Hispanic workforces, Jacob has written not one, but two books on the topic and speaks regularly in English and Spanish on navigating labor and employment matters in industries with heightened immigration scrutiny. His clients include professional baseball teams, grocery store chains, single establishment and chain restaurants, and leading companies in the construction and facility maintenance fields. Jacob has been interviewed by major media outlets such as Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC regarding national immigration concerns. Jacob founded Monty & Ramirez LLP to offer an integrated approach to dealing with Hispanic workforces. He and his bilingual partners address all the critical aspects of employer advocacy, from immigration to union matters, workplace safety, and employment disputes. Jacob’s practice extends nationwide; he has represented employers in courts and government investigations in California, Illinois, New York, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and throughout Texas. Jacob has held presidential and gubernatorial appointments to the University of Houston Board of Regents, the Texas Private Security Board, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Border Environment Cooperation Commission, and the North American Development Bank. Jacob is also active in civic and professional leadership. He serves as Outside Counsel for the Mexican Consulate in Houston, and chairs the Center for Latino Jewish Relations.

Daniel “Danny” Ramirez strategically represents public and private employers in labor, employment, and immigration matters. Danny’s successful track record includes providing sound advice to businesses on HR issues, representing employers during government investigations, and strategically defending companies, government agencies, and education institutions in litigation, arbitration, and appeals. He also regularly represents companies during high-stake ICE raids and helps them implement Form I-9 best practices. Danny’s clients include numerous McDonald’s, Walgreens, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Lone Star College, Houston Community College, and many small, mid-size and large privately-owned companies. As an alumni of The University of Texas Law School, Danny is a Board Certified Labor & Employment attorney that has been repeatedly honored with the title of Super Lawyer. Danny’s unique skill set allows him to aggressively defend his clients in litigation, while maintaining a strategic focus on the client’s best interests. Danny understands that litigation can create a substantial expense and distraction for many of his clients. Danny’s client-centric approach allows him to promptly identify his client’s needs and work towards obtaining swift, favorable dismissal of the case or resolution when necessary. Clients value that Danny is an experienced litigator that is able to offer proactive counseling and cost-effective solutions. As a 2nd generation U.S. Navy service member, Danny’s professional life and community activities reflect his commitment to service and hard work. Danny previously chaired the Harris County Sheriff’s Civil Service Commission and served as president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston, where he continues as a Board Member. Danny currently is a commissioner of the City of Houston’s Civil Service Commission. Danny has been awarded a Certificate of Special U.S. Congressional Recognition for his work on behalf of military families. He is an alumni of Leadership Houston and is often coaching his son in soccer.

Maricela Ventura Alvarado is a Partner in Monty & Ramirez LLP’s immigration division focusing on Business Immigration. Her experience includes a variety of employment-based and family-based immigration matters including nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, permanent residency, and citizenship. A majority of Maricela’s practice falls under the areas of employment and investment immigration representing small to large private and public businesses, private to public healthcare providers, primary, secondary and higher education institutions and more in their immigration and employment compliance issues. Maricela attended the University of North Texas and earned a degree in Economics in 2012. While attending college, Maricela was drawn into the nonprofit sector and decided to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service of America), a national service program designed to alleviate poverty. As a VISTA, Maricela worked with a nonprofit in Tarrant County serving Homeless Families and Victims of Domestic Violence. Once completing her year of service as a VISTA, Maricela moved to Houston, TX to continue working in the nonprofit sector for a local charity and attend South Texas College of Law where she earned her Juris Doctor in 2017. Maricela obtained her Juris Doctor working full-time in the nonprofit sector for her first 2 years of law school. She later joined Monty & Ramirez as a law clerk for the remaining time of her law school career. Her time as a law clerk in our Immigration division developed her skills and understanding in immigration law and her experience in the nonprofit sector further developed her compassion and civic mindedness in the profession

Jennifer A. Lopez (formerly Gutierrez) is a Houston estate planning attorney who practices estate planning and immigration law. Attorney Lopez is licensed in 3 states – Illinois, Indiana, and Texas. She is also authorized to practice in the U.S. District Court – Southern District of Texas, U.S. District Court – Northern District of Illinois, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. She has practiced in all three states and is a member of the American Bar Association. Prior to starting J. Lopez Law, Ms. Lopez worked for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Through her experience at the Office of Chief Counsel she knows first-hand the procedures and strategies of the opposing counsel and uses this knowledge to her clients’ advantage. Immigration law is fast paced and if your attorney is inattentive or hasty, you could pay the price. Attorney Lopez believes that the best way she can serve her clients is by completing their case right the first time. She is attentive to details, knowledgeable of immigration law, and very efficient in the courtroom. Over the years, she has proven her abilities as an immigration and nationality attorney with a track record of success. Immigration and nationality are life altering pursuits, and at J. Lopez Law, we work hard to assist clients in achieving their goals.

Aimara Flores is a Houston-based attorney whose practice focuses on criminal defense and civil litigation. Dedicated to strong advocacy and client-centered representation, Aimara is passionate about helping individuals navigate difficult legal situations with confidence, clarity, and strategic guidance. Known for her thoughtful yet determined approach, she works closely with clients to ensure they feel informed, supported, and aggressively represented throughout every stage of the legal process. Aimara has experience handling a broad range of litigation matters and has developed a strong interest in courtroom advocacy, legal strategy, and client communication. Her practice is driven by attention to detail, practical problem-solving, and a commitment to achieving meaningful results for those she represents. She is particularly passionate about advocating for individuals and families facing high-stress and emotionally difficult legal matters. Aimara earned her Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston, where she focused on litigation and advocacy skills. She is licensed to practice law in Texas and admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Aimara is proud to serve diverse communities across Texas and remains committed to making legal services more accessible and approachable for clients from all backgrounds. In addition to her legal practice, Aimara serves as Vice President of the Mexican American Bar Association of Houston (MABAH), where she actively supports professional development, mentorship, networking, and community engagement within the legal profession. She is passionate about building connections within the legal community and empowering the next generation of attorneys. Outside of the office, Aimara enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, spending time with family, and pursuing personal and professional growth. She values meaningful experiences, community involvement, and maintaining strong relationships both inside and outside the legal profession.

Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., my law firm, has been a trusted name in Houston since the 1970's. We proudly represent the little guys against big insurance companies and corporations. I earned my law degree and passed the bar in 1995. I immediately began my practice in personal injury trial law with Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. as a trail attorney. I became Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law in 2005 in Texas. I have received recognition as a “Top Lawyer” by H Texas Magazine in 2013 and was most recently named A Texas Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly's Super v Meragazine. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Texas in 1992 and earned my Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law in 1995. While in school, I was a member of the Phi Delta Phi Honorary Legal Fraternity, the Student Bar Association Student Concerns Committee, and the Houston Young Lawyer’s Association Environmental Committee.

We give you the leverage you need to make sound decisions when disputes rise to the level of litigation. By quickly and aggressively advancing your interests, we efficiently and effectively move cases toward conclusion, whether by pre-trial settlement, alternative dispute resolution, pre-trial judgment, or trial. Every minute and dime you spend on litigation is time and money taken away from what's important to you. Therefore, we actively prosecute your claims and defenses so that you can focus on what's most important to you.

Accomplished Attorney with several areas of practice experience, from Contract Law to Family Law. Very versatile and strives to provide excellent client service! Our Values 01.A Commitment to Excellence While most lawyers focus only on the billable hour, we are committed to making sure that you are fully satisfied with your legal matter. If we cannot help, then we will point you in the right direction and make sure you have the resources to succeed! 02.A Passion for Justice With our legal principles and our desire for justice being our first and foremost value, we always try to diversify the range of legal matters which we take on. That is perfectly shown when you notice that our civil/business cases are varied and cover many areas. That means that besides helping individuals, as well as big and small businesses, we also help thousands of men and women! 03.An Urge for Fair Pricing On par with our passion for justice and excellence, the third work ethic which we stand by is the fair pricing. We have the lowest pricing among the majority of law firms in the country. That is due to the simple fact, that in our opinion, a decent lawyer should charge a price that is nation-wide affordable!

If you are facing a serious criminal charge in the Houston area, you'll need an experienced, quality, aggressive defense attorney. The name that should stand above the others when you seek an attorney is Houston's — Ned Barnett. Ned Barnett is a skilled and leading Houston criminal defense lawyer with nearly 30 years of practical legal experience that includes trying criminal cases as a state and federal prosecutor, as well as more than 20 years as a defense lawyer. Since opening his firm in 1994, Ned has represented countless individuals charged with the most serious criminal offenses from DWI, to sex crimes and violent offenses. Barnett is a native of Houston who followed his father, grandfathers, and great-grandfather into legal practice when he pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a criminal defense attorney. After earning his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 1987, he sharpened his trial skills as a prosecutor in Galveston County and with the U.S. Attorney’s office in Houston before taking on the mantle of criminal defense. As an assistant district attorney in Galveston, Barnett prosecuted countless DWI cases, as well as serious felonies including rape, robbery, and murder. During his time as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s office, he focused on large drug prosecutions and gained a valuable perspective on how the government pursues cases involving international narcotics trafficking. Regardless of the offense, whether it’s a misdemeanor DWI or a felony sex crime, Barnett understands how devastating and disruptive a criminal charge can be for the person accused and how necessary a positive result is for your career and life. Barnett fights to obtain the best possible result for each person he defends, with the goal of helping defendants to move on with their lives and leave the stress and uncertainty of a criminal charge behind them. He brings a blend of compassion, discretion, superior ethics, and sharp trial skills to each case, as well as a commitment to providing personal, one-on-one service and communication. For free case evaluation with our reputable law firm, call (713) 222-6767.