Education Law

Juan has been defending Texas educational and state entities for nearly three decades. He has held numerous prestigious positions over the course of his career, such as becoming the first Hispanic chair of the State Bar of Texas School Law Section and a former chair of the Texas Association of School Boards Council of School Attorneys. Mr. Cruz serves as lead counsel for all clients of the Firm. He routinely provides day-to-day advice on matters affecting government entities such as school districts, cities, counties, quasi-governmental bodies, and affiliated political subdivisions. As general counsel Mr. Cruz is familiar with all facets of the management of government entities, including handling issues related to construction, procurement, employment, public information, contracts, etc.  Juan is dedicated to providing gold standard legal services and remains one of the most respected attorneys in the region.

Sonya is a tenured litigator with over 28 years of experience in the legal fields of education, employment, and representation of government entities. Practicing out of our office in Laredo, she brings immense insight to our firm and clients. Prior to working for the firm, Sonya worked for the Nueces County Attorney’s office and the Webb County Attorney’s office, where she was Chief Juvenile Prosecutor but handled civil matters as well, including Webb County jail matters, TPIA compliance, statutory guidance for elected officials, drafting interlocal agreements and MOUs.

Lisa is a resolute litigator with over 29 years of experience in the areas of employment law, school law, and contractual proceedings. She provides outstanding value to her clients, representing them in various administrative hearings and providing professional advice regarding personnel and school operational issues. Prior to joining JCA Law, Lisa represented the City of Laredo as the First Assistant City Attorney, focusing on providing legal advice to various city departments including the Airport, Utilities, Real Estate, Engineering, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Community Development, Library, Planning and Zoning, Risk Management, and Transit. Lisa has experience providing legal assistance to governmental entities in a wide range of matters including real estate transactions, drafting, and reviewing deeds, easements, contracts, policies, and resolutions.

Rick has been practicing law for five years. Before joining JCA Law, he served as an Assistant City Attorney with the City of Laredo Attorney’s Office, where he gained valuable experience handling employment matters, advising various boards and commissions, and drafting local ordinances. Since joining the firm in 2021, he has dedicated a significant portion of his practice to representing school districts, governmental entities, and small to mid-sized businesses. His practice areas include school law, special education law, employment law, administrative law, business law, public finance law, and general litigation.

Mario is a skilled attorney with expertise in the areas of general civil litigation, education law, and employment law. Mario has represented governmental entities throughout the state of Texas, including state agencies, independent school districts, and municipal entities such as city and county governments, working side-by-side with elected officials, department heads, and employees. Mario also dedicates a significant amount of his time to representing governmental entities, small-to-medium sized local businesses and individuals with matters related to real estate, trusts, and probate. He has represented clients successfully before the state trial courts, the state appellate courts, and the Texas Supreme Court. Practicing out of our Laredo office, Mario’s perspective and earnest work ethic makes him a valued member of our firm.

Valeria has been licensed and practicing law for five years. Prior to joining J. Cruz & Associates, LLC, Valeria was employed with the City of Laredo for three years as Municipal Court Prosecutor and Assistant City Attorney for the City of Laredo. Valeria’s areas of practice at our firm include Labor & Employment Law, Education Law, Civil Litigation, and Government Entity Defense.

Before joining the Firm, Joe worked as a Constituent Liaison and Travel Aide in the Office of Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini. Joe adds valuable expertise to our many practice areas and has the will to meet the legal needs of our clients. When Joe is not focusing on Civil Litigation, Import/Export and Transportation Law, Corporate Law, Labor and Employment Law, Real Estate Law, and Education Law, he is likely walking Ringo, his dog, playing tennis, or travelling with his family. 

Tony has over 25 years of experience in school law, public finance, employment law, and governmental relations. Tony has worked closely with many government entities across the State of Texas throughout his career. Tony has served as lead general counsel for many school districts and has earned the reputation of being a great advocate, trusted adviser, and respected leader in the field of education law. Tony serves the firm as the leader of the San Antonio office where he grew up, has raised his kids, and is proud to call home.

Michelle has been practicing in the areas of general civil litigation, education law, employment law, and government entity defense for over 29 years. Working out of our office in San Antonio, she provides clients with exceptional legal work and defense. Her primary areas of practice include General Civil and Commercial Litigation Matters, focusing on complex construction defect cases where she has represented school districts, hospitals, apartment complexes and other commercial businesses. She also handles matters involving contract, business, and property disputes. Prior to moving to Texas in 2002, she practiced in Washington State handling a variety of insurance defense and coverage matters, including personal injury and premises liability cases, motor vehicle and bus accidents, construction site accidents, and product liability claims. She has substantial experience litigating in state and federal courts in the State of Texas on a wide array of disputes.

Working out of the Corpus Christi area, Melissa practices in the areas of general education law, employment law, and general civil litigation. Melissa’s service as a member of the Gregory-Portland ISD Board of Trustees provides her with practical knowledge of working with government entities and board governance. Melissa works with District administrators and board members on issues regarding student rights, employment law, contracts, procurement, and open meetings. Melissa’s work experience includes handling of claims in court before state and federal courts. Melissa focuses on the areas of employment defense, government contracting, public information act, civil litigation, and open meetings laws. Melissa has extensive experience in the courtroom representing private clients and government entities.

Practicing out of our San Antonio office, Sani provides the firm with valuable insight, particularly in the fields of government entity law, general civil litigation law, and corporate law. Sani has previously served as one of twelve commercial attorneys for the City of San Antonio, where she handled large development agreements, authored risk analysis, and worked as lead attorney for several city government offices. Having worked as a law clerk for both the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas and Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, she has considerable experience concerning immigration law. Sani has both shown an interest in and assists the law firm primarily with open records requests, contracts, leases, and employment law matters. As a steadfast advocate, Sani goes above and beyond when assisting her clients, assisting in research, and advising on general legal and special education matters.