Born with a passion for justice, Shawn R. Roberts has dedicated his life to fighting for individual rights and the freedom of others. As a criminal defense trial lawyer licensed in the state of Texas since November 1995, Shawn has built an impressive career in the courtroom. In addition, his skills extend to the sports world as a sports agent, where he has represented some of the most prominent football players in Texas football history.
Shawn’s journey in the world of sports began when he joined Professional Sports Planning, a Houston-based agency founded by Carl Poston. He worked with notable figures such as Greg Hill, Rodney Thomas, and Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway. In 1995, Shawn passed the Bar exam on his first attempt, and his career continued to flourish.
Working with Michael Sullivan and Jeff Sperbeck from 1995-2000, and then Octagon Sports Agency from 2000-2003, Shawn signed numerous first and second-round picks in both the NFL and MLB drafts. Among his achievements was signing David Carr, the number 1 pick for the Houston Texans, and Quentin Jammer, the number 5 pick for the San Diego Chargers.
Shawn’s legal career began with a bang in 1996 when, at the age of 26, he tried his first murder case as a criminal defense attorney. In 1997, he was accepted into Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College, becoming the youngest lawyer ever to be accepted into the elite school. This experience laid the foundation for Shawn’s success in the courtroom.
Over the years, Shawn has met and worked with some of the most famous lawyers in American history, including Richard “Racehorse” Haynes, Morris Dees, Joe Jamail, and Johnnie Cochran. As a civil rights lawyer, Shawn consecutively represented three Black men in Brazoria County, achieving remarkable outcomes in their cases despite significant backlash and adversity.
Shawn’s unwavering dedication to justice has not come without challenges. He has faced personal and professional setbacks, including an illegal arrest and feelings of betrayal and pain. However, Shawn R. Roberts remains committed to his mission of fighting for the rights and freedom of others, using his expertise to make a lasting impact on countless lives.
Shawn’s legal career began with a bang in 1996 when, at the age of 26, he tried his first murder case as a criminal defense attorney. In this case, State of Texas v. Jarrett Mitchell (1996), the 15-year-old defendant was tried as an adult, and although the prosecution offered life in prison, the jury hung, and Mitchell ended up pleading to 10 years.
In 1997, Shawn was accepted into Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College, becoming the youngest lawyer ever to be accepted into the elite school. This experience laid the foundation for Shawn’s success in the courtroom.
Over the years, Shawn has met and worked with some of the most famous lawyers in American history, including Richard “Racehorse” Haynes, Morris Dees, the founder of Southern Law Poverty Center, Joe Jamail, and Johnnie Cochran. As a civil rights lawyer, Shawn consecutively represented three Black men in Brazoria County, achieving remarkable outcomes in their cases despite significant backlash and adversity.
In the case of State of Texas v. Brent Woodard (Date), the defendant was charged with Assault on a public servant habitual and was offered a 40-year sentence. However, Shawn successfully fought for Woodard, and an all-white jury found him not guilty of all charges.
Shawn then represented Warren Castile in State of Texas v. Warren Castile (Date). Castile was charged with murder and faced life in prison, but Shawn and co-counsel Attorney Steve Gonzales secured a historic verdict – Castile became the first Black man in Brazoria County history to be found not guilty of murder.
In State of Texas v. Quentin Richardson (Date), the young Black defendant faced multiple charges, including Intoxication Manslaughter and Intoxication Assault. Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon in a 10 count indictment. Rejecting the prosecution’s offer, Shawn took the case to trial, and the jury found Richardson not guilty of all charges, including misdemeanor DWI.
Education:
- South Texas College of Law, Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.) – 1995
Associations:
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Lifetime Member, 2001 – Present
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Member, 1996 – Present
Honors and Awards:
- Trial Lawyer of the Year, Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College, 2001