Thomas Zapata

I was born and raised in a small South Texas town with a population of less than 2,500 people, and is probably why I find it more comfortable wearing a pair of boots with my suits. At the age of 17, I lost my vision, a life-changing moment that taught me resilience and determination. I finished high school at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired before earning my B.A. in Politics and Law at The University of Texas at San Antonio. I went on to attend The University of Texas School of Law (Hook ’em!), where I dove headfirst into courtroom advocacy.

During law school, I served as a staff editor for the American Journal of Criminal Law and took every courtroom advocacy class I could. I was also a student attorney in the Disability Rights Clinic, where I fought to ensure that K-12 students with disabilities like mine received the accommodations they deserved, and represented special education clients in ARD meetings, MDRs, and expulsion hearings. In the Criminal Defense Clinic, I handled a variety of cases, from DWIs and public intoxication to indecent assault. I have had the privilege of working at Cofer & Connelly for both of my law school summers, where I assisted on cases ranging from misdemeanors, Felonies, and appeals to the 3rd and 4th court of appeals.

As a first-generation college student, my family has been my greatest inspiration. My drive to represent those at their most vulnerable stems from my own experiences advocating for myself as a person with a disability, and understanding that not everyone has an advocate fighting for them in their corner. In my free time, you will find me playing the guitar, adding to my bourbon and cigar collection, or sitting next to the barbecue pit while I cheer on the Longhorns.

Education:

• B.A. Politics and Law, The University of Texas at San Antonio, Summa Cum Laude, Pi Sigma Alpha
• J.D. The University of Texas School of Law