Senior Counsel / Director of Government Relations
Justin Wood joined the Firm in Winter 2023. He supports the SLHA team as Senior Counsel and Director of Government Relations and works in the Austin office. Mr. Wood brings over 20 years of legal experience, with much of the last 10 years of his career also focused in the public policy arena. He most recently served on the leadership team at Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas as General Counsel and Vice-President of External Relations where he handled legal matters, partner relations and directed state and federal public policy efforts for the statewide non-profit network of children’s advocacy centers throughout Texas. Prior to that, Mr. Wood oversaw criminal justice policy for the Texas Senate, serving as Committee Director under the leadership of Senator John Whitmire.
Mr. Wood spent the first 16 years of his career in the courtroom as an Assistant District Attorney in both Houston and Austin. In Harris County, he achieved the rank of Chief Felony Prosecutor and was proud to be the voice for victims of violent crime, having tried over 60 jury trials including the successful prosecution of ten capital murder cases. During his time in Travis County, Mr. Wood served as Chief of the Public Integrity Unit and was responsible for the investigation and prosecution of public corruption cases alleged to have been committed by public officials and state employees. Mr. Wood also served as Legislative Liaison for both the Harris and Travis County District Attorney’s Offices, advocating on behalf of prosecutors impacted by public policy considerations in the Texas legislature.
Education
Mr. Wood graduated with honors from Texas A&M University, receiving his B.S. in 1999. He also attended Texas Tech University School of Law where he received his Juris Doctor in 2002. During law school, Mr. Wood was actively involved in the Board of Barristers and represented Tech Law as a member of a nationally qualifying advocacy team.
Admissions & Affiliations
Mr. Wood is admitted to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas and is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
Mr. Wood is a member of the Legislative & Campaign Law Section, and School Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.
In addition to his devoted career in public service, Mr. Wood remains an engaged member of his community. He has been an active school board member for the Goodwill Excel Center, Texas’ first public charter high school for adults, serving as the Policy Committee Chair and on the School Safety & Security Team. Mr. Wood has also served as an Adjunct Professor for the Texas A&M University School of Law, co-leading their Public Policy Externship Program in Austin during past legislative sessions. He has also been an Attorney Volunteer for Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas, providing pro bono legal advice and support as needed to members of the Austin community.