Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Leira M. Gracia

Education

Ms. Gracia earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center, where she was a member of the Interscholastic Mock Trial Team and finished as a semi-finalist in the American Association for Justice Trial Advocacy Competition and quarter-finalist in the Lone Star National Mock Trial Tournament. Ms. Gracia finished as runner-up in the University of Houston Hippard Mock Trial Tournament (novice division). At the University of Houston Law Center, Ms. Gracia served as events coordinator for the Hispanic Law Student Association and was a recipient of the Texas Young Lawyers' Minority Association Scholarship. She also attended the Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Buenos Aires in Argentina, where Ms. Gracia studied international human rights law.

Ms. Gracia earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Policy Studies, English and Hispanic Studies from Rice University. While at Rice University, she was President of the Hispanic Association for Cultural Enrichment, a student representative in the President's Council on Minority Affairs, a member of the President's Honor Roll and a presenter at the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity. She received the Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals Scholarship, Region 12 ACUI Leadership Scholarship and Society of Latino Alumni at Rice Leadership Award. Ms. Gracia studied at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain, where she focused on Spanish history and literature.

Personal

Leira Moreno Gracia was born in the Rio Grande Valley and raised in Roma, Texas. She attended Roma High School, where she was President of the Student Council, Head Drum Major and member of the 4A All-Valley Symphonic Band. Ms. Gracia is fluent in Spanish.  She is married and enjoys traveling and skiing.