Terry Yates is a seasoned trial lawyer who has litigated and tried numerous complex civil and criminal matters across the country.

Born and raised in Texas City, Texas in Galveston County, Terry is a life-long Texan. He is a 1987 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin. He then received his J.D., from the University of Houston Law Center, in 1989.

Upon graduation from law school, Terry Yates began his career at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, in Houston, Texas, where he served under District Attorney Johnny Holmes. In 1994 Terry left the District Attorney’s office to enter into private practice. Terry is Board Certified in Criminal Law by both the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (1995) and the National Board of Trial Advocacy (1999).

In June 2001, Terry graduated from the Trial Lawyers College in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, under the instruction of renowned trial attorney, Gerry Spence. Following graduation, Terry joined Mr. Spence’s staff, and taught at the College for a number of years.

Terry Yates has successfully litigated in a number of high profile cases, including former HPD Captain Mark Aguirre in the infamous “Kmart Raid”, former Houston Astros Charlie Hayes and Ken Caminiti, Texas Supreme Court Justice David Medina, Judge Denise Pratt, the federal prosecution of Judge Samuel B. Kent and David Daleiden.

In addition to his practice, Terry Yates is an Associate Judge for the City of West University Place, and is a legal analyst for ESPN radio.

He is married to Senior Justice Leslie Brock Yates, formerly of the 14 th Court of Appeals. Terry & Leslie have two sons, Brock & Ryan.