Joe Anderson
Joe graduated with his Juris Doctor in May 2025 and passed the Texas Bar Exam administered in July Upon graduation, he was named the recipient of the Francisco Leos Award, which honors the legacy of a man who prized education and sacrificed his life so his children could receive professional education. The award reflects the core mission of the Clinical program and recognizes students whose dedication mirrors those ideals— principles Joe has embodied through both his journey and his contributions.
During law school, Joe clerked with the San Antonio Spurs legal department, the law office of Goldstein & Orr, and volunteered at Haven for Hope, helping individuals experiencing homelessness secure the identification they needed to access employment and services. Joe’s legal career is grounded in perseverance, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
In 2008, at the age of 19, Joe was arrested for aggravated robbery. Though no injuries were reported, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison, a sentence that was significantly harsher than those of others involved. The experience of receiving a disproportionate sentence and witnessing firsthand the disparities within the criminal justice system became a turning point in his life.
Rather than allow that chapter to define him, Joe chose to use it as an opportunity for growth. He earned an associate’s degree, completed over 100 college credit hours and obtained vocational training all while incarcerated. After serving 10 years, he was granted parole, and with the guidance of mentors and a renewed sense of purpose, Joe committed himself to education and a life of service.
Upon his release in 2018, Joe worked a variety of jobs, including construction, truck driving and waste management, all while applying to college and rebuilding his life. In 2019, he enrolled at Our Lady of the Lake University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in psychology. He also obtained his real estate license and commercial driver’s license during that time, reflecting his continued commitment to self-reliance and forward progress.
In 2021, Joe joined the law firm of Goldstein & Orr — the same team that had advocated for his release — as a paralegal and file clerk, gaining early legal experience that would shape his next chapter. He was later accepted into St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2022, where he excelled in his studies and deepened his commitment to public service.
Joe brings empathy, tenacity and a profound understanding of the law’s impact on real lives, qualities he looks forward to applying throughout his career. The Board of Law Examiners has determined that Joe is fit to practice law in Texas. Joe specializes in state and federal criminal defense, including misdemeanors and felonies. In addition, Joe’s work concentrates on writs, appeals, parole hearings, parole and probation revocations, expunctions, and petitions for non-disclosures. His lived experience, combined with rigorous legal training and community-focused service, equips him with a unique and powerful perspective.
Credentials and Experience
Bar Admissions:
- Texas Bar Association, Member, 2025-Present
- Criminal Law Section
- Appellate Law Section
- Juvenile Law Section
Education:
- Mary’s University School of Law, J.D., 2025
- Our Lady of the Lake University, Bachelor of Arts, Major: Political Science; Minor: Psychology, 2021
