Looney, Smith & Conrad, P.C.

Bios

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  Paul C.Looney

  Criminal Defense Trial Attorney

  Paul Looney brings over 25 years of criminal defense law to his clients in Houston, throughout the state of Texas, and across the nation. A graduate of West Texas State University, Mr. Looney earned degrees in economics and political science and his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the South Texas College of Law. Mr. Looney has a lot of experience trying civil cases as well and says "trying civil cases is easy compared to the trial of a criminal case." As of February 3, 2016, Mr. Looney has won 60 criminal defense trials since 1995 with ZERO convictions "I don't care who you are or what you've been accused of. You don't need to be in a cage and you don't need to be bullied by the entire wave of society being against you. If they do that, I want to be there and fight back with you." – Paul Looney "Paul manages to find a way to win when nobody knows what he's going for. Everyone else thinks they're fighting this fight and Paul is actually fighting a whole different fight and he's sitting back smiling. But so are they . . ." - Clay Conrad, Attorney "He has a little street fighter in him. If you picture someone who is down and getting the crap kicked out of him and somehow he manages to turn it around and win – that's Paul. And sometimes people kind-of look and say 'how the hell did he just do that'? Sometimes when everyone is sure he's lost; that's the time Paul is sitting back and smiling 'I got this one'." – Clay Conrad, Attorney "Paul Looney is an amazing attorney. In court, as in life, most issues are compromises. However, in my case, Mr. Looney helped me receive more than what I wanted or thought about getting. He is simply amazing and I am ecstatic with our results." – Divorce Client "Mr. Looney is honest and upfront. He addresses difficult issues before prosecutors even have a chance to bring them up. Jurors trust what Mr. Looney is saying because he is respectful and doesn't make excuses." – Court Reporter "These guys are the greatest lawyers on earth! They are very trustworthy, honest men!! I went to trial with my case and they did GREAT!! And they truly cared about my family and myself...I have been around a lot of lawyers in my job; hands down, Looney & Conrad are the best!!! Once again, thank you guys!" - U.S. Deputy Marshal “This morning the D.A. dismissed my case due to lack of evidence. Over the past several months while working with my case, what I really like about Mr. Looney is that he called me in to his office one day not about my case but about my addiction. That was a big deal to me and my family. He went above and beyond just being my attorney. He cares about me as a person as much as he cared about my case. Mr. Looney and Mr. Conrad were so good to me; if any of my friends need a lawyer I will highly recommend them. Mr. Looney has been amazing." --Hydroponic Marijuana Grower/Marijuana Possession Client "Rock Star! Mr. Looney and his entire team have been such a blessing! I was amazed at how quickly things started happening when they took us on. They are thorough, considering and anticipating every angle and response. Mr. Looney is upfront and honest about the case and has gone above and beyond to show his support in our situation. His team members have as well. Roxanne Avery is a gem! She has put in many long hours, stayed in constant contact throughout and has a heart of gold! To witness Mr. Looney at work and how others respond to him is something truly amazing. With his calm, patient and charismatic personality, he gets what he needs from people before they even realize what they have said. But, he's also not afraid to camp out on a courthouse bench if someone is taking too long to respond to him. His reputation precedes him wherever he goes and he has earned that with honest, hard work. We have not been disappointed and I cannot thank Mr. Looney and his team enough!" – Sister of innocent biker jailed after Twin Peaks incident in Waco, May 17, 2015 Paul has been named a "Top 100 Trial Lawyer" for 2014 by the National Trial Lawyers, a premier group of attorneys who practice criminal defense or civil plaintiff law. This honor is extended to those individuals who exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership. Paul has recently been named as a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. This professional accolade is only offered to the top performing attorneys in the state of Texas. Members are elected based on criteria such as outstanding contributions to the legal profession and long standing commitment to the community. Per year, the Texas Bar Foundation honors the top one-third of 1% of lawyers in the state by inviting them to become Fellows. Being elected as a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation is considered one of the highest professional accomplishments that can be given to members of the State Bar of Texas.

  Link: Paul C.Looney

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  Clay S. Conrad

  Appellate Attorney

  Clay Conrad graduated cum laude from college (Franklin-Pierce College in Rindge, New Hampshire) and law school (University of Texas School of Law). But that's not the reason Paul Looney says Clay is the smartest man he knows. "If you have to have somebody at a computer trying to figure out how to win a case, there isn't anybody else I want at my computer." Bringing over 16 years of appellate, pre-trial litigation and State and Federal criminal defense and related litigation to his clients in Houston, throughout the state of Texas and many states across the nation, Clay represents individuals from all walks of life and all types of social, cultural and financial backgrounds. His experience includes both white-collar and blue-collar cases ranging from State misdemeanors to Federal felonies. He has excellent research and complex pre-trial drafting skills as well as electronic case presentation and criminal and civil forfeiture litigation. Clay has litigated to completion over fifty appeals in numerous Federal and State jurisdictions. "Before law school, I was a field engineer in the theatrical lighting business. I worked television studios, auditoriums, handled technical support for traveling productions, etc. Now I do appeals and pre-trial litigation so in a very real sense, I still work backstage. It's my job to ensure when we are in trial, all the ducks are in a row. And it takes both of us. It takes Paul's skill in the courtroom and it takes my preparation work. In a very real sense, I still work backstage. That's my role and I like it." Clay has been instrumental in achieving the high record of success Looney & Conrad P.C. has in winning cases. His appellate work is thorough and successful. "We had a case fought through a motion to suppress and were denied. We fought it on appeal and it was reversed. Our client is a really big guy with a black belt in Karate serving time in prison. We spoke right after it was reversed and when I told him we won, he broke down crying. That was such a memorable moment because it meant he was going home to his family." Producing convincing paperwork with outstanding research and writing skills, Clay has many years of experience beginning as a Research Assistant/Editor and Staff Counsel Member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association in Austin. Clay was the content editor for the membership journal and prepared and edited materials for fourteen continuing legal education seminars annually. He assisted membership with legal research and drafting and represented the Association before the Texas State Bar, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and the Texas legislature. Analyses of all Texas bills with criminal law ramifications were drafted by Clay before legislative sessions. He also briefed lobbyists and speakers for presentations before legislative committees. Jury Nullification: The Evolution of a DoctrineSince then, Clay authored the book, Jury Nullification: The Evolution of a Doctrine where he explores the history of trial by jury and the right of jurors to vote "not guilty" if the law is unjust or unjustly applied. The Founding Fathers believed juries in criminal trials had a role to play as the "conscious of the community," and relied on juries' "nullifying" to hold the government to the principles of the Constitution. Clay examines the power of jurors being ignored by American courts to the point that today few jurors are aware that an important part of their role is, in the words of the Supreme Court, to "prevent oppression by the government." "This is the most important book on the independence of juries since Lysander Spooner's Trial by Jury in 1852. It is meticulously researched and balanced. The enjoyment of reading it stems as much from the beauty of Clay Conrad's writing as from the comprehensiveness of his analysis and the fascinating and important nature of his subject." –Randy E. Barnett Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Law, Boston University Clay is licensed in Texas and has been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, several United States Circuit Courts of Appeals and the Eastern District of Michigan as well as the Supreme Court of Texas. He is active in many organizations and has authored many academic, professional and general interest publications. As a frequent lecturer, Clay has spoken on topics throughout the country on the subject of juries. Clay has made extensive continuing legal education presentations as well as presentations to civic and political associations across the country including in Virginia, California, Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah and Washington D.C. He has been the guest of many radio talk shows. Clay has been named a "Top Lawyer" for 2013 and 2014 in the December issue of Houstonia magazine. To compile this year's list, attorneys were rated on a 10-point scale by factoring in peer endorsements as well as experience, education, training, speaking, publishing, and awards.

  Link: Clay S. Conrad

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  Richard Senasac

  Civil Attorney

  Richard Senasac is a mild mannered attorney, practicing civil law in our offices by day and smoking premium cigars by night. A graduate of Stephen F Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, Richard received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center in 1985. Born in Arcadia, California in the hospital across the street from the Santa Anita Race Track, Richard’s pediatrician said, "[He} must have been vaccinated with a phonograph needle explaining his love of gab even from an early age." Richard is President Emeritus of the Gentleman's Law Association at the University of Houston. He is Past President and Secretary of the Waller County Bar Association and a member of the Waller County Law Library Committee. Richard is President of the Waller County Historical Society, Chairman of the Waller County Historical Commission and Former Chairman of the Waller County Clock Tower Project. Martial Arts and Tai Chi are two of Richard's hobbies. He is a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, an international organization devoted to the study and recreation of the Middle Ages. Richard has written for Tri Tac games and enjoys Role-Playing Games (RPGs) such as Dungeons & Dragons. As a writer, Richard has published articles on spirits and wines and cigars. He also enjoys time with his replica '36 Mercedes 500k roadster modeled after one designed for Marlene Dietrich. "As concerns tobacco, there are many superstitions, and the chiefest is this - that there is a standard governing the matter.... Each man's preference is the only standard for him, the only one he can accept, the only one which can command him. A congress of all the tobacco-lovers in the world could not elect a standard which would be binding upon you or me, or would even much influence us." Concerning Tobacco Mark Twain, 1893 So to my friends of the leaf; those who smoke only the rarest Habanas or those who relish a Roi Tan; I say "Go for it!"

  Link: Richard Senasac

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  Carbett Trey J. Duhon III

  Of-Counsel

  Carbett "Trey" J. Duhon III, was raised in Fort Bend County, Texas. He graduated cum laude from Texas A&M University in 1992 with a B.S. in economics and obtained his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 1995. After law school, Trey began his legal career with Love & Associates in Fort Bend County, where he practiced from 1995-2005. Trey moved to Waller County in 2005 and has resided there since and opened his sole proprietorship of the Law Offices of Trey Duhon, which he also opened in 2005. He is also a fee attorney for American Title Company. Trey served on the Board of numerous charities and organizations, including Fort Bend A&M Club (1995-1998); Speakers Committee, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (1997-2005); Board of Directors, Volunteer Services Council - Richmond State School (2002-2007); Citizens for a Better Waller County - board member (2005-2011) treasurer (2005-2007) vice president (2008-2011); Keep Waller County Beautiful - board member (2010-2011); Member, Waller County Economic Development Partnership (2007-present); Director, Waller County Toll Road Authority (2007-present), president (2008-2012); Waller County Transportation Authority (2007-present); and as a Member, TTC-69 Citizens Advisory Committee to Texas Transportation Commission (April 2008 - present); Waller County Sub-Regional Planning Commission - President (2012 - present). In January of 2012, Trey was recognized by the Waller Area Chamber of Commerce as Citizen and Volunteer of the Year for 2011, for his work and contributions to the community during the Tri-County wildfires when he organized and managed the Waller County Fire Info page on Facebook during the crisis. Trey was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1995 and was admitted to practice in the U.S. Court of Appeals as well as the 5th Circuit, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. Education: Texas A&M University (B.S., cum laude, Ecomonics 1992); University of Houston Law Center (J.D. 1995) Memberships: State Bar of Texas; Houston Bar Association; Waller County Bar Association; Aggie Bar Association; Texas A&M Association of Former Students Trey became the Waller County Judge on January 1, 2015. In 2011 he was recognized as a "Star of Texas" by Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom for protecting private property rights. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Houston Galveston Area Council, and is a member of the HGAC's Plans and Projects Review Committee. He currently serves as President of the Waller County Sub-Regional Planning Commission, a position he has occupied since 2012, and is also a board member of the Waller County Juvenile Board and the Gulf Coast Rail District. Both sides of Trey's family originate from Abbeville, Louisiana, where Trey's grandfather Carbett Duhon, Sr. was a councilman for 21 years before his passing in 2011. Trey and his wife, Lisa, reside between Katy and Brookshire in Willow Creek Farms.

  Link: Carbett Trey J. Duhon III

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  Noah Johnson

  Civil Attorney

  Noah Johnson graduated cum laude on the Dean’s Honor Roll in 2014 from the University of Oklahoma (OU) School of Law and served as a Superior Court Justice for the OU Student Government Association. Licensed to practice law in both Oklahoma and Texas, Noah has significant litigation experience. He served as a prosecutor in Waller County from 2015 to 2018, litigating felony and misdemeanor cases. Noah has argued hundreds of motions, hearings and trials in front of judges and juries and has never lost a case Working as a land man for Chesapeake Energy and Halcon Resources, Noah brings his knowledge of property, probate, contract and oil & gas law to our law firm. Before becoming an attorney, Noah served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Marine Corps from 2007-2014, including conducting combat operations in Helmand province Afghanistan in 2011. Noah’s roles and responsibilities in the United States Marine Corps include serving as a Legal Officer, Embedded Training Team Advisor – Afghanistan National Army, and Commanding Officer of Anti-Tank Training Company. Noah’s awards include the Naval Commendation Medal, the Naval Achievement Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the NATO Service Medal. Noah is an AGGRESSIVE TRIAL LAWYER fighting for clients in Family Law, Wills & Probate, Contract, Business and all civil actions. In the words of James “Mad Dog” Mattis, former 4-star Marine Corps General and current Secretary of Defense, Noah promises his clients “No Better Friend” and his adversaries “No Worse Enemy”. Noah is currently a Captain in the Texas Army National Guard, serving as a Judge Advocate and has a beautiful wife and child. He is also a black belt in Marine Corps Martial Arts. He enjoys working on his 1965 Corvette and is an avid reader of American History non-fiction.

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  Link: Noah Johnson

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  Wade B. Smith

  Attorney-at-Law

  Raised in Cypress, Texas, Wade is a native of the Houston area and is a graduate of Cy-Fair High School. While in high school, Wade excelled as an athlete for the cross-country and track teams and also participated in the school’s first-ever ‘Student Court’ defending his fellow classmates. Wade went on to attend Texas Tech University and continued his running career with Texas Tech’s cross-country and track teams. As a student-athlete, Wade pursued a degree in political science and minored in history. After graduating from Texas Tech, Wade returned to Houston to study law at South Texas College of Law. There, he focused his studies on criminal law and trial advocacy, and held internships with the 9th District Court in Montgomery County as a briefing attorney for the judge, and also with the Harris County Public Defender’s Office. After a second stint as an intern for the Harris County Public Defender’s office and passing the Bar Exam, Wade hung out his shingle and began his law practice, focusing on criminal defense. Shortly after beginning his law practice, Wade was accepted into a pilot training and mentorship program with the Harris County Public Defender’s Office and was one of only ten young attorneys from Houston selected for the program, where he received specialized training in criminal defense and trial work. As part of that program, Wade was sent for additional training with a national organization for public defenders; Gideon’s Promise. Gideon’s Promise consisted of an intensive and specialized training program spanning three years, which focused on trial skills and client-centered representation. Upon learning about the plight of the 177 citizens arrested on May 17, 2015 at Twin Peaks in Waco, Wade became involved by defending one of those people pro bono and worked the case all the way to dismissal. Wade now continues to practice law in Houston and across Texas, defending the rights of citizens accused every day. Wade is licensed to practice law in Texas and is a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, Fort Bend County Criminal Defense Attorneys Association, and Gideon’s Promise. On January 1, 2020, he became a shareholder in the law office of Looney, Smith & Conrad, P.C. Texas Tech University, B.A. (2009) South Texas College of Law, J.D. (2012) Gideon’s Promise, Class of 2013 In 2019, Wade earned the designation of "Top 40 Under 40", a prestigious award from the National Trial Lawyer's Association. Client Reviews "I am truly grateful and appreciative of this law firm. My attorney Wade Smith of Looney & Conrad law firm was very knowledgeable and did an outstanding job in my case. Wade got my case No Billed (dismissed) at the grand jury level. He prevented me from being formally charged before the case could even proceed to the next steps in the legal system. My family and I can now move on with our lives and we have Wade and Looney and Conrad law firm to thank. Thank you guys so much!!! If anyone is going through any legal issues I highly recommend this law firm, they will get the job done!" --Josh T. December, 2019 "I hired Wade to defend me in 2017. He came highly recommended by a friend. His knowledge of the courts. laws and cases are exceptional. He is charismatic about his job and goes over every detail with you to make sure you understand where things are at. You will not be disappointed if you choose to hire Wade." --Daniel T. 2017 "I hired Wade to defend me for DWI second in Montgomery County in 2017. From the start, Wade was professional, knowledgeable, and energetic about my case. He made me confident in his abilities and left no stone unturned. His knowledge of the courts, past cases and officer issued sobriety test exceeded my expectations. He kept me in the loop and answered any and all questions I had and even provided friendly advice to situations surrounding my case. I recommend Wade to anyone fighting an alcohol related offense." --Anonymous 2017 "Wade Smith was extremely professional and had a strategy to cover my case from all angles. I was extremely pleased with the attention he gave to my case. It was a dismissed case and a weight lifted. Thank you Wade for all your help, legal counsel and keeping me updated every step of the way. I was very comfortable, confident and was able to put my complete trust in your expertise to get the best result for my case. Thank you again! Case Dismissed!" --Melissa G. February, 2016 "Good Man. Straight Shooter. Was there when I needed him." --Rico M. January, 2014 "Wade B. Smith is an excellent attorney! I cannot thank him enough for all the hard work that he put into my case. I highly recommend anyone to hire Wade as your representative!" --Jacob D.

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  Link: Wade B. Smith

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  Cynthia I. Zamora

  Senior Administrative Assistant

  Cynthia is the Senior Administrative Assistant/Paralegal for our law offices where she manages both offices in Hempstead and Houston. She also handles our finances. Cynthia earned her paralegal certification through the University of Houston. She has been a local resident of Hempstead since 1988 and continues to be involved in the community where she: Is a member of the area chapter of League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Promotes school board participation Is a mentor to students in the local schools, and Volunteers at local functions. While she works full time for Looney, Smith & Conrad P. C., Cynthia continues her education to refine her skills as a paralegal and in education. Cynthia earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Prairie View A & M University this year and looks forward to also obtaining a degree in business. She is bilingual and a certified translator. In her spare time, Cynthia enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and dancing. Se Habla Espanol

  Link: Cynthia I. Zamora

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  Roxanne Avery

  Trial Preparation Specialist/Professional Writer/Optioned Screenwriter

  Roxanne assists in preparing cases for trial by interviewing witnesses and investigating cases including Twin Peaks in Waco Texas on May 17, 2015 where nine people died, 22 severely injured and 177 arrested and indicted on $1 million bonds. She became the “go to” person for lawyers and international media as she outlined nine terabytes of discovery from the District Attorney’s office. Nearly four years later, every case was dismissed with no convictions. Coordination of witnesses and organizing documents to help trials run smoothly is what Roxanne excels at. She has assisted Looney, Smith & Conrad in winning jury trials where her typing skills produce a quasi-transcript at the end of each day. Through extensive research and investigation, Roxanne has helped cases be favorably resolved and not go to trial. Roxanne publishes legal columns in newspapers, websites and social media and handles brand strategy and social media as well as analytical systems for marketing statistics. Specializing in building complex websites, Roxanne utilizes HTML code and continuously updates them through content research and original writing. Utilizing keywords and phrases, she keeps the brand name at the top of search engines and with knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO), she assures a high ranking utilizing keywords and phrases. As a creative and technical writer and editor, Roxanne is also a graphic design artist and creates professional advertising layouts for print and social media. She writes for magazines and newspapers across the country and graphically designs email newsletters and e-books. Roxanne has volunteered on many philanthropic boards and served in official capacities to raise money for charitable causes. As President of Mountain Metro American Business Clubs (AMBUCS), Roxanne took the club from the rating of “worst to first” when she took over the leadership and brought the club from their 250th ranking in the nation to #1 in one-year. She became the first female District Governor of the Southwest Chapter and took her district to #1 in the nation. AMBUCS is dedicated to the physical therapy of children and adults, many with limitations developed at birth. The organization builds custom Am-Trykes and supports the work of physical therapists. She is a Life Member of AMBUCS. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication with a degree in professional writing, Roxanne is a Life Member of the University of Oklahoma Alumni Association. She has many years of experience in writing, marketing, public relations, management and brand development and has hundreds of hours of continuing education. A graduate of the ProSeries from ScreenwritingU in Hollywood, Roxanne wrote her first true crime script, “The Drug Lord,” based on court and discovery documents. She is a graduate of the prestigious ScreenwritingU’s Master Screenwriter certification program and upon completing another true crime script, “The Final Round,” had it optioned with a producer/manager of a major motion picture company in Hollywood. ​ Roxanne enjoys attending University of Oklahoma football and basketball games and loves Thunder basketball, gardening, reading and writing. As a film fanatic; especially independent film, Roxanne has been a Production Assistant and an extra in several movies and a Production Assistant, Team Leader and Producer for three Oklahoma City 48-Hour film projects.

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  Link: Roxanne Avery

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  Brent Liedtke

  Senior Researcher

  Brent Liedtke has a tremendous amount of legal knowledge literally spanning several decades. His interest in the law with legal cases and clients intrigue him as he "finds a way". When it appears there is not a positive solution, Brent "finds a way." Brent has two adult children, Jason and Dawn and the newest addition to his family is grandson Landon Bell. In his spare time, Brent enjoys riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, fishing and hanging out with friends and family.

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  Link: Brent Liedtke

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  Laura Zamora

  Receptionist - Hempstead

  Link: Laura Zamora

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  Celine Lozano

  Legal Secretary - Hempstead

  Celine is a junior at Prairie View A&M University where she is studying for her Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. Upon graduation, she plans to attend Thurgood Marshall to become an attorney. Celine has been working in the Hempstead law offices of Looney, Smith & Conrad, P.C. since 2014. In her spare time, Celine enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and reading books. She is also a dog mom to her Siberian Husky, Thor.

  Link: Celine Lozano

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  Erika Zamora

  Legal Secretary/Paralegal - Houston

  Erika Zamora is a local resident of Hempstead where she grew up and graduated at The Senior High. She is a loving wife, devoted mother of three young boys and enjoys spending her free time with family activities. On Sundays, Erika attends Community of Faith church in Cypress, TX and loves watching the Houston Texans. Erika is a notary public, certified paralegal and legal secretary in our Houston Office.

  Link: Erika Zamora