Jessica went to the University of Texas at Arlington where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology. Prior to pursuing a career in law, Jessica worked in the Multi-Family Housing sector for 8 years handling up to 760 units & was eventually selected as a corporate training assistant for one of the largest management companies in the industry. As a law student, she interned for local criminal defense firms and the Judicial Staff Counsel office in Tarrant County. She has assisted on multiple cases from DWIs to capital crimes and advised criminal district court judges on capital writs of habeas corpus. Jessica assisted two special magistrate judges with a mental health restoration docket honing her ability to think quickly on her feet. Jessica was chosen to compete on multiple mock trial teams throughout her education, winning multiple top attorney & finalist awards. She served as a member of the Board of Barristers & coached mock trial teams at the middle, high, & law school levels. In her final year, she was selected as an assistant public defender for the Caprock Regional Public Defender's Office. Jessica handled juvenile, misdemeanor, & felony cases in multiple rural West-Texas counties as a student attorney. Upon graduating cum laude from Texas Tech University School of Law, Jessica received two distinguished awards: the Brendan B. Murray Public Service Award & the Robert J. & Ann Burbridge Criminal Clinic Award for her contributions to underserved communities & passion for zealous advocacy.