Profiles
John A. Fuentes, JD, RN, BSN – Retired U.S. Military Veteran
John was born in Columbus, Ohio and spent the majority of his formative years in the northeastern United States. However, he got to Texas as soon as he could and now has strong personal and professional ties to south Texas. John brings a unique background to the practice of law. Immediately after high school, he served in the United States Marine Corps. Immediately after his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, John worked as a professional firefighter and paramedic for nearly 10 years. During that time, he became licensed as a registered nurse, working primarily in the areas of emergency and critical care nursing. He completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing summa cum laude from Texas A&M International University, and he still maintains an active license to practice professional nursing. John later attended Baylor University School of Law, where he served as the Managing Editor of the Baylor Law Review and graduated in the top portion of his law class. After completion of law school, John returned to military service in the United States Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps, protecting the rights of our service members, serving as a Staff Judge Advocate, and later as an operational law expert in the tense period following 9/11. The ability to thrive under pressure that John developed in his early Marine Corps days, which was sharpened by his years as a firefighter/paramedic and emergency nurse, is used today to serve his clients, many of whom are unable to speak effectively for themselves. Since shortly after his military retirement in 2003, John's practice has been devoted exclusively to the representation of clients in civil matters, primarily involving litigation. His admittedly uncommon but unique background and perspectives greatly enhance the insight he brings to nearly any legal matter, all of which have benefitted the clients he serves. Community service is also an important part of both personal and professional life for John. He is proud to be extremely active as an Adult Scouter with the Alamo Area Council Boy Scouts of America, serving at local unit, district and council levels. He is also active in other organizations whose goal is to improve the quality of life for the citizens of San Antonio and surrounding communities. John is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, San Antonio Bar Association, San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and the Federal Bar Association. He is licensed to practice law in the following Courts:
John helps real people with real problems. If you've got a real problem, give him a call . . . because every voice deserves to be heard.Lawrence K. Cleary, Paralegal
Larry was born and raised in New York but has considered himself a Texan for over 30 years. He comes to our firm with unique life and professional experiences that enhance his ability to assist firm clients in a variety of ways. After high school, Larry joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served honorably as a non-commissioned officer. He then attended college before beginning a career with the U.S. Postal Service. As a postal employee, Larry served his colleagues for 12 years as a Chief Steward and Workers Compensation Specialist for the American Postal Workers Union in San Antonio, where he routinely represented and protected the rights of fellow postal workers during the collective bargaining process and before administrative board hearings. After retiring from the Postal Service, Larry chose to pursue a career in the legal field, taking the logical step of pursuing a paralegal education so he could use his vast experience representing others to benefit the public at large. During and after obtaining a college degree in paralegal studies with an emphasis in non-lawyer advocacy, in which he graduated with Presidential Honors, Larry chose to serve the less fortunate as a Paralegal Volunteer for the Law Offices of Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. Larry is married with one daughter. He is on the Paralegal Advisory Committee for San Antonio College, a member of the South Texas Organization of Paralegals, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. His many hobbies include boating, golf, reading, spending time with family, and eating tacos. Larry brings many years of legal experience to our firm. When asked to explain the law, Larry will tell you that law is much like a quilt; each area of law is like a patch on the quilt, where each patch is connected to another as one. Larry’s goal is consistent with that of our firm – to protect the rights of our clients by shielding them with the quilt of law. Larry is a tremendous asset to our firm, and we are fortunate he has chosen to join us. Dominique D. Layton, Legal Intern
Dominique was born abroad to a military family and raised in the San Antonio area. She is well-versed both personally and professionally on the legal and political climate of our community. After high school, while pursuing her advanced studies, she worked and volunteered in the San Antonio legal community for several years and established herself as an outspoken advocate of individuals who did not have the resources or ability to speak for themselves. After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, she chose to attend law school so she could better advocate for individuals' rights. While working toward her undergraduate degree, Dominique chaired the Mock Trial Committee of the University's chapter of Phi Alpha Delta. She also served as a student leader, advising and supporting students enrolled in courses covering Texas politics. She is currently attending The University of Denver – Sturm College of Law, from where she anticipates obtaining her doctorate of jurisprudence in Spring 2012. In addition to her studies and other volunteer activities, Dominique continues to serve as a volunteer representative for the San Antonio Police Department's Family Assistance Crisis Team, advocating for victims of domestic violence. Dominique strives to embrace a culture of excellence in all her undertakings, possessing a personal and professional commitment to delivering the highest quality of service to those individuals she has the privilege of helping. Her passion for helping others and her uncanny ability to navigate her way through difficult situations are just a few reasons why our firm and our firm's clients are lucky to have her on our team. As an attorney, Dominique will be an unyielding champion for the interests of our firm's clients. |
