General Civil Litigation
With extensive experience in dealings pertaining to construction projects, we understand the nuances that come with complex multi-party litigation. Our attorneys employ creative contracting and dispute resolution techniques to arrive at mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties involved.
Our attorneys are able to provide legal advice and defense in construction matters such as:

- Contract disputes
- Property Disputes
- Intellectual Property Disputes
- Torts
- Procurement
- Breach of Contract Claims
- Class Action Defense
- Personal Injury Cases (Defense)
- Construction defects & claims

Juan J. Cruz
Managing Partner
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.

Joe Benavides
Associate Attorney
Before joining the Firm, Joe worked as a Constituent Liaison and Travel Aide in the Office of Senator Judith Zaffirini. Joe practices in Civil Litigation, Import/Export and Transportation Law, Corporate Law, Labor and Employment Law, Real Estate Law, and Education Law.

Melissa Franco de Gonzales
Of Counsel
Melissa works in the Corpus Christi area in education law, employment law, and civil litigation. She also serves on the Gregory-Portland ISD Board of Trustees.

Sani Brosig
Of Counsel
Sani practices in San Antonio with expertise in government entity law, litigation, and corporate law. She formerly served as a commercial attorney for the City of San Antonio and assists primarily with contracts and employment matters.

Michelle Bartley
Of Counsel
Michelle has over 29 years of experience in general civil litigation, education law, employment law, and government entity defense. She focuses on complex litigation, particularly construction defect and commercial disputes.

Tony Resendez
Senior Attorney
Tony has over 25 years of experience in school law, public finance, employment law, and governmental relations. He serves as the leader of the San Antonio office and has served as lead general counsel for many school districts.
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Lisa M. Paul
Partner Attorney
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.

Mario Perez
Associate Attorney
Mario is a skilled attorney with expertise in general civil litigation, education law, and employment law. He has represented governmental entities throughout Texas, including state agencies and municipal governments, and also represents businesses and individuals in real estate, trusts, and probate matters.

Sonya M. Garcia
Partner Attorney
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.

Valeria E. Reyes
Associate Attorney
Valeria has been licensed and practicing law for five years. She previously worked as Municipal Court Prosecutor and Assistant City Attorney for the City of Laredo. Her areas of practice at the firm include Labor & Employment Law, Education Law, Civil Litigation, and Government Entity Defense.

Ricardo Benavides III
Associate Attorney
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.