Qualifications
Professional Background:- Judge of the 436th District Court
- Licensed Texas attorney for seventeen years
- AV rated (highest rating in legal ability and ethical standards)
- Former Juvenile Law Referee
- Former Juvenile Law Prosecutor
- Former Juvenile Law Defense Lawyer
- Former Assistant District Attorney
- Tried over 100 jury trials as a trial attorney, including 2 capital murder cases
- Lackland Air Force Base Honorary Commander
- Licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas
- Licensed in the Western District of Texas
- Member of the American Bar Association
- Member of the Federal Bar Association
- Member of the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board for the State of Texas
- Member of the Mexican American Bar Association
- Member of the National Association of Professional Women
- Member of the San Antonio Bar Association
- Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation
- Member of Friends of Communities in Schools
- Co-founder of Helpers Under the Bridge (HUB)
- Board Member of Healthy Futures
- Woman of the Year for 2010/2011 (National Association of Professional Women)
General Background:
- Born on August 14, 1968, in Houston, Texas
- Married to Steve Vacek
- Three Step-Children: Brett, Cami and Chad
- Graduated in 1986 from Northwest Academy in Houston, Texas as Valedictorian
- Received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas in 1990
Legal Training and Experience:
- Received Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center in 1993
- Worked as an Intern for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office from 1990 to 1993
- Licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas in 1993
- Worked as a Prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office from 1993 to 1996
- Worked as a Prosecutor for the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office from 1996 to 1997
- Began the private practice of law in 1997, handling criminal cases, including juvenile matters