Meet Jessica Graf
Appellate Attorney Specializing in Federal and Texas Criminal Appeals
My very first client was a young mother arrested for stealing baby shampoo and clothes from The Dollar Store.
Through her case, I learned how inherently unfair the legal system can be; it pits the individual against the full weight and might of the government.
By focusing on appeals, I stand with my clients against this system by telling their stories and showing the court when and where the system treated my client unfairly, and/or violated their constitutional rights.
The legal system is built on rules and records. My work is to scour the legal record to find where the government broke the rules or otherwise made errors, potentially giving my clients a second chance at freedom.
Jessica Graf Is Board Certified® in Criminal Appellate Law
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization awards Board Certification to experienced attorneys who meet rigorous standards and pass a comprehensive exam in their practice area.
Fewer than 150 Texas attorneys are Board Certified® in criminal appellate law.
Background & Experience
I've worked my entire career to become a top appellate attorney. Here's an overview of the training and experiences that shape my approach to criminal appeals.Assistant Federal Public Defender
I was an Assistant Federal Public Defender for over 7 years, starting in the trial unit. After 2 years, I transitioned to the Capital Habeas Unit, representing clients facing the death penalty in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States Supreme Court, and state habeas corpus proceedings.
One of my proudest moments was getting a client off of death row.
I served my final “tour of duty” in the Appellate Division before leaving to start my private practice, where I continued representing clients appealing their convictions and sentences.
Law Clerk &
Briefing Attorney,
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
After graduating from law school, I clerked for two judges at the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (“CCA”). The CCA is Texas’ highest criminal court.
Most non-lawyers are surprised to learn that in most appellate courts, briefing attorneys prepare initial drafts of proposed opinions and judgments for their justices.
Through working hundreds of appeals, I developed an insider’s view of what issues matter most to judges, and how best to frame them.
Student Attorney,
Caprock Regional Public Defender Office and Clinic
In my third year of law school, I represented indigent clients from rural, underserved communities in West Texas – including the young mother who sparked my passion for criminal defense.
Some defendants from these areas would have delayed access to representation – or none at all – if not for the Caprock clinic. Texas Tech University School of Law selects just eight students to serve annually.
Education & Honors
Throughout law school, I pursued legal training and academic distinctions that would support my future appellate advocacy.
Texas Tech University School of Law
Juris Doctor (J.D.), 2014
Graduated Summa Cum Laude
+ Order of the Barristers
+ Order of the Scribes
+ Order of the Coif
+ Executive Member of the Law Review
+ Nationally Ranked Moot Court Advocate
Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English Literature and Language, 2010
Graduated Summa Cum Laude
+ Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, President
+ Study Abroad, Oxford University
Memberships & Associations
Teaching & Presentations
+ Tips from an Appellate Lawyer to a Trial Lawyer, 2025 Fiesta San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Seminar, San Antonio, Texas, April 25, 2025
+ Tips from an Appellate Lawyer to a Trial Lawyer, 2025 Prairie Dog Advanced Criminal Law Seminar, Lubbock, Texas, January 9, 2025
+ Staying Mentally Strong for the Day’s Work, Riding for the Defense – Criminal Defense Lawyers Project, Longview, Texas, April 5, 2024
+ Post Bruen Gun Update, 2024 Prairie Dog Advanced Criminal Law Seminar, Lubbock, Texas, January 4, 2024
+ You Can Sit With Us! Strategies for Addressing Mean-Girl Culture and Creating an Inclusive Community,
2022 National Association for Public Defense Women’s Conference, Virtual, September 23, 2022
+ Supreme Court and Fifth Circuit Update,
2022 Federal Criminal Defense Seminar, Dallas, Texas, July 27, 2022
+ Introduction to Capital Habeas Units,
Howard University School of Law, Virtual, September 14, 2020
+ Introduction to Capital Habeas Units,
Howard University School of Law, Washington D.C, September 10, 2019
+ Federal Writs in Death Penalty Cases,
Texas Tech School of Law, Lubbock, Texas, November 7, 2018
+ Introduction to Capital Habeas Units,
Howard University School of Law, Washington D.C, October 25, 2018
+ In the Wake of Johnson and Mathis: Current Issues in Prior Conviction Enhancements,
2017 Annual Federal Criminal Practice Seminar, Dallas, Texas, July 27, 2017
+ Applying Johnson and Mathis: De-mystifying Federal Sentencing,
2017 Annual Federal Criminal Practice Seminar, July 27, 2017
+ Federal Sentencing: Part I,
2016 Federal Criminal Defense Seminar, Dallas, Texas, July 20, 2016
+ Intro to Federal Criminal Practice for the Texas State Criminal Defense Lawyer,
2016 Federal Criminal Law Practice Seminar, Wichita Falls, Texas, April 7, 2016
+ 2016 Discovery and Ethics Considerations,
2016 Federal Criminal Practice Fundamentals Seminar, Lubbock, Texas, January 6, 2016
Questions? Let's Talk.
Contact me to discuss your case and explore your options.
I offer a free 30-minute intake call to assess if I can help you.
Schedule a Consultation
Contact me to discuss your case and explore your options.
I offer a free 30-minute intake call to assess if I can help you.