Jessica Horace is an experienced family law attorney who values kindness and compassion as a cornerstone of her practice. Her clients and opponents alike have learned to respect her abilities and appreciate the personal touch she brings to her practice of the law. Jessica is a native of Lufkin, Texas. She attended Lamar University where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. While attending South Texas College of Law, Jessica clerked for the 312th Family District Court. She also participated in the law school’s family and domestic violence clinics. Jessica has been a member of the Texas State Bar since 2011 and is also a proud member of the Legal Fraternity Phi Alpha Delta. Like many family law attorneys, Jessica entered the legal field to help others. She has a passion for supporting families throughout each step of the adoption process. Jessica builds relationships with her clients, and she cares about providing them with the best legal representation possible. A deep believer in social justice, she is engaged in community outreach throughout Texas. In her spare time, Jessica can be found instructing a Zumba class, focusing on personal health, and speaking to youth at career days.

This independent mother of one is working her dream job of being an attorney. Her experience is mainly in family and criminal law. However, Haley has a passion for helping children and families who might need extra guidance with their legal matters. Her mother is the inspiration behind Haley pursuing her dreams. She taught Haley about strength, courage, independence and how to go after what truly matters in our lives. When Haley is not out there helping others, she enjoys spending time with her son, swimming, playing games and listening to country music. She hopes to travel to Jamacia someday soon, as well as learn how to skydive!

Linda was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon but grew up in Austin, Texas. She moved to Houston this year to focus on her career in family law. Linda knew at a very young age she wanted to be an advocate for others. Even though she loves to argue she also knows being an attorney is so much more than “fighting in court or with others.” The law challenges you to think outside the box, become an imaginative and creative thinker and to approach every case in a new and innovative way. Human and children’s rights and having unlimited access to mental health resources and services are causes very close to Linda’s heart. She is very passionate about helping others, which she displays to her clients each day. Her compassion for all those around her shines through and has helped make her the thoughtful attorney she is today. Linda is an avid baker and “chef.” She also enjoys traveling, spending time with her friends and family and has recently taken an interest gardening. Linda speaks two languages; English and French and is in the process of perfecting a third language, Spanish.

Trey is a native to Houston, raised in Spring, Texas. He moved to Austin to begin his college career but soon returned to further his education and begin his career as an attorney. Trey has a passion for family law and helping families, especially those who have children. He enjoys assisting families as they navigate through the waters of divorce and the change it can bring. He tries to help his clients transition into their new situations in life in the most positive and healthiest way possible. In his spare time, Trey enjoys cooking, hiking, camping, kayaking, and spending time with his family.

Deborah Coleman holds a double major in Political Science and Criminal Science from Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, TX (1992), and earned a JD from Oklahoma City University School of Law (1995). A dedicated community member, Deborah Coleman was actively involved in church activities, including roles such as choir member, Youth Sunday School teacher, and chairperson of several committees. Although focusing on family recently, Deborah plans to return to church volunteer work once her youngest completes junior year. Originally from Wichita Falls and now based in Irving, TX, Deborah Coleman is a passionate sports enthusiast, supporting teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Oklahoma Sooners, Dallas Wings, and Mavericks.

Shane M. Boasberg was born and raised in New Orleans, LA and moved to the Lone Star State to attend The University of Texas in Austin, TX. After receiving undergraduate degrees in Government and Business from the University of Texas in Austin, TX; Mr. Boasberg attended South Texas College of Law in Houston, TX. While attending law school, Shane worked as a law clerk for the prestigious law firm of Gallagher, Lewis, Downey, and Kim. During this time, he gained experience in legal and appellate research and writing and trial preparation working on the largest commercial litigation civil settlements recorded in United States jurisprudence history. Shane graduated from South Texas College of Law in 2002 and immediately made an impact in the legal field. He began his career at Heard, Robins, Cloud, Lubel, and Greenwood LLP in Houston, and in 2003, he returned to Austin, TX, to serve as General Counsel to the Honorable Senator Mario Gallegos at the Texas Senate. In this role, Shane’s legal acumen and drafting skills were put to the test as he provided legal advice, prepared opinions, bill analyses, briefs, and drafted bills and amendments for legislative consideration, serving the citizens of Texas with distinction. Following his tenure with Senator Gallegos, Shane worked for the Texas Office of the Attorney General-Greg Abbott where he worked on a variety of legal and political issues. Shane represented TxDOT in litigating and resolving contractual, construction, licensing, and engineering disputes in the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). Shane gained valuable experience at the TX-OAG where he was able to learn and work on various legal and political issues, including but not limited to, transportation law, employment law, environmental law, and eminent domain law. While working for the Texas Attorney General, Shane also served as the Legislative Liaison between the Texas Attorney General – Transportation Division and the Texas Legislature. After working with the Texas Legislature and for the OAG-Texas, Shane re-entered private practice in 2010 and opened his law firm in Austin, TX with a satellite office in Georgetown, TX. He has handled almost every type of civil case at some point during his career but primarily focuses his practice on civil litigation, whether it be business and commercial law, real estate and eminent domain law, family law, or injury law. Shane actively engages with the community and is a member of the Texas State Bar, the Austin Bar Association, and the Capitol Area Trial Lawyers Association. He was also selected to Texas Monthly’s “Rising Stars” list for 2012, 2014 – 2016. Only 2.5% of eligible Texas attorneys are chosen by Super Lawyer based on nominations from their peers. His dedication to advocating for his clients and his consistent ability to deliver desired results have earned Shane the reputation of being a trustworthy legal advocate who will provide high-quality legal services. Shane also actively participates in the ATX DAO, a city DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) based in Austin, TX. The goal of the ATX DAO is to unite Austin’s crypto communities, enable artists and local businesses to participate in the crypto ecosystem, and educate local and state government officials about the benefits of Web3.

Mark S. Cochran exclusively practices Family Law, which includes divorce, visitation establishment and enforcement, child support establishment and enforcement, modification, custody, paternity, contempt, pre-marital agreements, step-parent adoption, and other child and family-related matters. Mr. Cochran has extensive litigation experience, and is qualified and capable of the trial of complex or large estates. We believe it is essential that a client be fully informed of his or her options and the progress of the case. We zealously represent our clients' interests while frankly advising as to the reality of the clients' expectations, given the specific circumstances of the case. Although Mr. Cochran is a trial attorney, we acknowledge that most family law matters are best settled and resolved prior to trial. Settlement, when fairly done, can save a client significant time and money. Settlement also allows the parties to have total control over the decision-making involving their children and property. Each attorney, therefore, has extensive experience in alternate dispute resolution, including mediation, settlement conferences, access facilitation and old-fashioned negotiation between lawyers. While encouraging alternate dispute resolution, we recognized that certain cases and issues must be tried by a Judge or jury, and are prepared to do so. Most importantly, we believe that an effective family law attorney must work to resolve problems, not create conflict and escalate hostilities.

Mark S. Cochran exclusively practices Family Law, which includes divorce, visitation establishment and enforcement, child support establishment and enforcement, modification, custody, paternity, contempt, pre-marital agreements, step-parent adoption, and other child and family-related matters. Mr. Cochran has extensive litigation experience, and is qualified and capable of the trial of complex or large estates. We believe it is essential that a client be fully informed of his or her options and the progress of the case. We zealously represent our clients' interests while frankly advising as to the reality of the clients' expectations, given the specific circumstances of the case. Although Mr. Cochran is a trial attorney, we acknowledge that most family law matters are best settled and resolved prior to trial. Settlement, when fairly done, can save a client significant time and money. Settlement also allows the parties to have total control over the decision-making involving their children and property. Each attorney, therefore, has extensive experience in alternate dispute resolution, including mediation, settlement conferences, access facilitation and old-fashioned negotiation between lawyers. While encouraging alternate dispute resolution, we recognized that certain cases and issues must be tried by a Judge or jury, and are prepared to do so. Most importantly, we believe that an effective family law attorney must work to resolve problems, not create conflict and escalate hostilities.

Meet Ricky Whitehead, one of our dedicated Associate Attorneys at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, a passionate advocate for justice and equality. With a Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management from UH Clear Lake, Ricky Whitehead brings a robust academic background to our team. In addition to their legal qualifications, Ricky Whitehead is a Certified Mediator in Texas, showcasing their commitment to conflict resolution. Born and raised in Houston, TX, Ricky Whitehead is deeply rooted in the local community and actively volunteers with the Trans Legal Aid Clinic TX (TLACT), a non-profit organization that assists trans and non-binary individuals with name and gender marker corrections in Texas. Outside of work, Ricky Whitehead enjoys spending their free time cooking, especially baking, and playing board games with friends. They share their home with a German Shepherd named Poe, who adds a special joy to their life.

Carl Ritter is a senior attorney at Bryan Fagan, PLLC, representing clients in family law and estate planning matters. HIs focus areas are contested divorces, child custody disputes, guardianships, and contested wills. Carl doesn’t shy away from the cases involving parties with difficult pasts, or cases involving Child Protective Services (CPS). He is a fierce advocate for clients that are attempting to keep or regain custody of their children, and he also provides assistance to grandparents who are fighting for their grandchildren. He understands that the best interest of the child is always the most important factor in any case. Carl’s representation extends to clients that are interested in estate planning as well as clients that need help with issues of guardianship. Carl has substantial experience in contested probate cases that must proceed through litigation. Litigation and the courtroom have always been Carl’s favorite part of being an attorney. With over 35 years as a practicing attorney, Carl has an extensive background, including serving as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the United States Air Force. His understanding of the nuances of military law, as well as the intricacies involved in military life, combine to make Carl an astute choice for military personnel and their families. He has also spent 10 years as an attorney with the Office of the Attorney General in Texas. Carl and his wife of 25 years recently relocated to Houston to be near their two children who attend school at Texas A&M and Houston Baptist University. Carl enjoys time spent with his family at the beach and in the mountains, where you can find him golfing, swimming, relaxing in lazy rivers, eating fantastic foods, and enjoying the great outdoors.