The Law Office of Sam M. (Trey) Yates, III, P.C. is committed to providing individuals with the highest ethical and legal representation. We deliver speedy and successful resolutions in litigation to our clients' satisfaction. We believe in client driven solutions to their legal conflict and give the client all the information available to make an informed decision that is in their best interest.

The diversity of our clients is reflective of the diversity of the community in which the law firm practices.

This Website is not to be interpreted as providing legal services, nor as proposing any form of legal services. Any communication between you and The Law Office of SAM M. (TREY) YATES, III, P.C. through this Website cannot be interpreted as establishing an attorney-client relationship. The Law Office of SAM M. (TREY) YATES, III, P.C must comply with the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct before consenting to provide legal representation for a prospective client. The attorney responsible for the content of this home page is Sam M. (Trey) Yates, III, P.C.

Sam M. (Trey) Yates, III

ATTORNEY PROFILE

EDUCATION

Graduate:
St. Mary’s School of Law
San Antonio, Texas
Juris Doctorate, 1984

Licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas - 1984

Undergraduate:
University of Houston
Bachelor of Arts – Political Science, 1981

American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Los Angeles, California, 1979

PROFESSIONAL

A civil law trial practice since 1986 in Harris, Ft. Bend, Brazoria and Galveston counties with a primary focus on family law litigation, probate/guardianship litigation and basic estate planning services. Experienced in Collaborative family law, mediation, and Court appointments as a child representative.

Martindale-Hubbell CV Peer Review Rated.

Certified Attorney-Mediator (Attorney-Mediators Institute) - 1998
Certified Family Law Mediator - 1999
Child Protective Services Mediation Training for Children First
Houston Bar Association Peer Mediation in Schools Program Training
Children’s Friend in Court Amicus Training
Collaborative Family Law Attorney
Admitted to Practice - United States District Court - Southern District of Texas
Owner-The Guide to Good Divorce, Inc.
Member-Yarrell & Yates, LLC

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

The American Association of Justice
Texas Trial Lawyers Association
American Bar Association
Houston Bar Association

Member of Family Law Section and
Member Probate, Trusts, and Estate Section

Houston Bar Foundation, Life Fellow
Fort Bend County Bar Association
College of the State Bar of Texas
International Academy for Collaborative Professionals
Gulf Coast Collaborative Law Network
American Inns of Court
Burta Rhoads Raborn Family Law Inns of Court
Pro Bono College State Bar of Texas

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Houston Bar Association - Family Law Section
Chair - 2007/2008 Term
Chair Elect - One Term
Secretary - One Term
Board of Directors - Three Terms

Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program, Inc.
Board of Directors - Two Terms
Former Family Law Clinic Pro Bono Mentor for King and Spalding, L.L.P
Star Volunteer of 1999

Houston Bar Association - AIDS Outreach Committee
Committee Chair - One Term
President’s Award for Outstanding Service as Chair of AIDS
Outreach Committee Houston Bar Association - 1997

Continuing Legal Education Activities:

Course Director - “Family Law Conference for General Practitioners and Legal Assistant” - South Texas College of Law (2004, 2005, 2006)

Course Director - “Ad Litem/Amicus Boot Camp 2009" - South Texas College of Law (2009)

Lectures and Invited Presentations

“Who’s My Daddy? A Parentage Mystery”
2009-HVLP Family Law Seminar - Houston

“Common Law and Same Sex Marriages, Adult Adoptions, Maternity Tests, and Other Unusual Topics”
2009/23rd Annual Family Law Conference-South Texas College of Law-Houston

“Child Support Calculations: Guidelines and Above”
2008 - Family Law Institute - Houston Bar Association - Houston

“Direct and Cross Examination of a Custody Evaluator” - 2008 / Deciding a Child’s Fate: Child Custody Evaluations, Ethics and Investigating Allegations of Sexual Abuse - Galveston

“Making Mediation Work for You” - 2008 / 22nd Annual Family Law Conference - South Texas College of Law - Houston

“Family Law and Fido: How to Split the Dog” - 2008 / Texas Dog Law Seminar - Houston

“Parenting Plans” - 2007 / 21st Annual Family Law Conference - South Texas College of Law - Houston

“Paternity and Co-Respondent” - 2007 / HVLP Family Law Seminar - Houston

“Paternity and Co-Respondent” - 2006 / HVLP Family Law Seminar - Houston

“Family Law and Fido” - 2006 / Texas Dog Law Seminar - Houston

“Voir Dire and Opening and Closing Statements” - 2005 / 21st Annual Family Law Conference - South Texas College of Law - Houston

“Legislative Changes and Updates” - 2004 / 20th Annual Family Law Conference - South Texas College of Law - Houston

“Law Office Management Tips” - 2003 / 19th Annual Family Law Conference -
South Texas College of Law - Houston

Community Affiliations:

Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Certified Volunteer Ombudsman - 2000 to current
University of Texas Houston Center for the Aging

Bering Omega Community Services
Board of Trustees - Current

Raintree Place Property Homeowners Association
President - 2009
Board of Directors - Current

MECA (Multicultural Education & Counseling through the Arts)
Board of Directors - Three Terms
1999 Gala Co-Chairman “Noche de Milagros”

AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc.
Advisory Board - Current
Vice President - Two Terms
Board of Directors - Five Terms
“In Your Ear and Off The Wall” Gala Co-Chair 1997 Benefit for AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc.

Friends of Hermann Park
Board of Directors - Two Terms
Advisory Board - Current
Luncheon Co-chair “Picnic In The Park” - 1998

The Assistance Fund
Board of Directors - Three Terms
Vice President - One Term
President and Chairman of the Board - Two Terms
Former Legal Counsel

Member of Greater Houston Better Business Bureau
Member of Katy Area Chamber of Commerce
Eagle Scout (1969)