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Get to Know Adriana Arce-Flores
Our Team: Our Team
EXPERIENCE
Law Office of Adriana A. Flores
Attorney/Mediator Laredo, Texas 2009-Present
Presently in private practice, with specialization in civil litigation, specifically; Oil and Gas, Wills and Trusts, Transactional Real Estate, Business Corporations, Tax law and Employment Law. Significant Federal criminal and civil practice, including; white-collar defense, O.C.D.E.F. cases, narcotics and civil forfeitures. Certified Mediator for both State and Federal Courts; concentrating on Business litigation and Multi-party contract disputes. Mediator for all District Courts in Webb and Zapata County. Mediator for the Southern District of Texas. Local counsel for several corporate businesses, specifically oil and gas corporations, and employment law litigants in South Texas.
United States Courts- United States Magistrate Judge-Southern District of Texas
Laredo Division Appointed 2000-2008
First Hispanic woman appointed to serve as United States Magistrate Judge, for the Southern District of Texas, Laredo Division. I served an eight year term, from 2000 through 2008. Presided in the U.S. District Court over all Criminal and Civil matters within our jurisdiction, primarily, the Laredo division. Assigned all criminal matters, all misdemeanor offenses, all felony cases; from grand jury indictment through trial. Presided over one of the largest criminal dockets in the United States which provided extensive Judicial experience in research and writing. Prepared written opinions, both, published and unpublished, in the 5th Judicial Circuit. Excellent professional relationship with all Federal agencies, including U.S. Border Patrol, INS/CBP, DEA, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and F.B.I. Assigned all civil cases from filing through trial, by agreement. Presided over employment disputes, forfeiture proceedings, personal injury, contract law, and fraud. Preparation of all opinions in motions to dismiss, summary judgment proceedings, discovery issues and trial.
The only U.S. Magistrate Judge in Laredo to serve as Judge and Mediator. Handled through mediation, all Federal civil cases assigned to my Court. Mediated significant number of civil matters, for eight (8) years, and settling large percentage of civil docket through the mediation process. I served as mediator for the City of Laredo, the U.S. Government, and large multi-party litigation.
Assistant Federal Public Defender- Southern District of Texas
Laredo Division 1989-2000
Extensive legal experience in the representation of clients’ defense, in criminal cases, from date of arrest through trial. Courtroom experience includes; misdemeanor cases through large narcotics conspiracies, OCDEF, money-laundering, and human-trafficking offenses in the Southern District of Texas, Laredo division. Extensive trial experience, legal research, preparation of legal documents, and Court hearings.
Teacher- Laredo Independent School District
Laredo, Texas 1984-1986
Former Middle-School History teacher for Laredo Independent School District, Lamar Middle School.
Education
Texas Southern University- Thurgood Marshall School of Law- Doctorate of Jurisprudence
University of Texas at Austin- Bachelor of Arts
Professional Affiliations
Member of the Bar, State of Texas
Member of the ADR Section, State Bar of Texas
Member of Texas Credentialed Advanced Mediators’
Former Member of the United States Magistrate Judges’ Association
College of the State Bar of Texas
Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity
Licensed by the State of Texas
Licensed by the Appellate and Federal Courts-Fifth Circuit and Southern District of Texas
Notable Awards
Outstanding Young Lawyer- Laredo Young Lawyer’s Association
Presidents Award- Laredo Bar Association
Liberty Bell Chairperson- Jurist Recognition Award
Lulac Council- Tejano Achiever’s Award for Federal Public Service
Recognition Awards for Service - U.S. Attorney’s Office
Recognition Award for Service- INS/ CBP Enforcement Division
Recognition Award for Service- U. S. Border Patrol
Recognition Award for Service- U.S. Probation/ U.S. Pre-trial Services
Bronze Award- United Way of Laredo
Secrets of Success for Women- T.A.M.I.U Leadership Program Speaker
CLE- Federal Courts and the Law- Speaker
Hispanic Heritage Lecture Series- Speaker
American Jurisprudence Award- Juvenile Law
Thurgood Marshall School of Law- Dean’s List
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