Terry Yates is an accomplished trial attorney with extensive experience litigating complex civil and criminal cases nationwide.
Born and raised in Texas City, Texas, Terry is a lifelong Texan. He graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 1987 and earned his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 1989. Following law school, he began his career at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Houston, Texas, serving under District Attorney Johnny Holmes. In 1994, Terry transitioned to private practice and 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 tutelage of the renowned trial attorney Gerry Spence. He subsequently joined Mr. Spence’s staff and taught at the College for several years.
Terry has successfully litigated numerous high-profile cases, including those involving former HPD Captain Mark Aguirre in the notorious “Kmart Raid,” former Houston Astros players 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 legal practice, Terry serves as 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 14th Court of Appeals, and they have two sons.
A Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Focused On Strategy, Preparation, And Results
When you are facing criminal charges, your choice of lawyer matters immediately. Terry W. Yates is a Houston criminal defense lawyer with decades of experience defending clients in serious state and federal criminal matters. Board Certified in Criminal Law and licensed in Texas since 1990, Terry provides strategic, trial-ready representation focused on protecting your rights, reputation, and future.
1990-1994: Assistant District Attorney, Harris County District Attorney’s Office
1992-1994: Special Crimes Prosecutor, Harris County District Attorney’s Office
1994-Present: Private Practice
1997-2005: Assistant City Prosecutor, City of West University Place
2005-Present: Associate Judge, City of West University Place
Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1995
Criminal Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy, 1999
Texas State Bar (1990)
Idaho State Bar (2009)
U.S. District Court, District of Idaho
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit
Supreme Court of Texas
United States Supreme Court (2005)
Member of State Bar of Texas (1990)
Member of State Bar of Idaho (2009)
Member of Houston Bar Association
Member of Texas Criminal Lawyers Association
Member of American Bar Association
Faculty Member and Advisor for the National Insurance Crime Bureau (1994-2000)
1987: B.A. (Cum Laude) with Special Honors, University of Texas at Austin
1989: Juris Doctorate, University of Houston Law Center
1993: Graduate, National College of District Attorneys
1995: Board Certified in Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
1999: Board Certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2001: Graduate, Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College, Dubois, Wyoming