Languages

• English
• Spanish

Law Firm Overview

After graduating from the University of Texas, Chip attended the Houston Law Center. During his tenure at the University of Houston, Chip was the recipient of the Paul W. Broughton most distinguished student award, was a member of the Order of the Barristers, was the winner of the 1993 National Mock Trial Competition Regional tournament and was the inaugural winner of the University of Houston Best Advocate of graduating class (now known as the Karen Kaough Award). During his final semester he served as the coach of the Interscholastic Mock Trial Team. After graduation, he continued that position as an adjunct professor for five years.

Chip began his legal career at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in November of 1994. During his time as an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County, Chip tried over one hundred criminal jury trials, ranging from misdemeanors to capital murder. In 2000, Chip ended his service with the District Attorney’s Office and went into private practice.

Chip is admitted to practice in all Texas State courts and is a member of the State Bar College. He is also admitted to practice in the Southern, Eastern, Western and Northern Federal District Courts of Texas. Chip argued before the United States Fifth Circuit in defense of the Houston Police Department in the Pedro Oregon case. In arguing that case, he became the youngest attorney to argue a criminal case in the Circuit. In addition to the Fifth Circuit, he is a member of the bar for the Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeals. Chip has also practiced in the Northern District of New York. Finally, he is admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Chip is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association. Additionally, Chip is a past member of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association and is a graduate of the National College of District Attorneys Career Prosecutor Course. Recently, Chip has been a featured speaker for the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association - The Continuing Legal Education Seminars on Trial Techniques- (The Masters of Trial at South Texas College of Law).

During his work in private practice, Chip has handled many high-profile cases: The United States v. Robert Angleton; The State of Texas v. Lynn Kilroy; The State of Texas v. James Broomas; The State of Texas v. Carlos Coy. He has successfully defended over twenty public officials and law enforcement officers – including the defense of Beaumont Mayor David Moore. Chip secured an acquittal in the State of Texas vs. Robert Durst. He defended Mr. Ken Lay against allegations levied by the President’s Task Force on Corporate Fraud concerning the collapse of Enron. Currently, Chip represents Osiel Cardenas-Guillen, the alleged Kingpin of the Gulf Cartel.

Areas of Practice

• Criminal 100%

Honors and Awards

• University of Houston Criminal Justice Institute (BOD), 2004 - Present

Classes and Seminars

• University of Houston Law Criminal Trial Adjunct, 1998 - 2002
• Master of Trial Techniques, South Texas College of Law, 2004 - Present

Pro Bono Activities

• Criminal Justice Institute Body UofH Law, 2004 - Present

West Practice Categories

Criminal Law, Criminal Fraud, DUI/DWI, Drug Violations, Federal, Felonies, Grand Jury Proceedings, Misdemeanor, Prosecution, RICO Act, Sex Offenses, Victims' Rights, White Collar Crimes