Lori Botello

About Lori

Lori was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, where years of competitive baton twirling taught her discipline, focus, and perseverance — qualities that continue to define her legal career.

After earning her bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin, a business law course inspired her to pursue a career centered on helping people. She went on to earn her J.D. from South Texas College of Law and began her career in contract and real estate law before shifting to criminal defense following the 2008 market downturn.

Since then, Lori has defended clients in cases ranging from DWI to capital murder across Galveston, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Nueces, and Harris Counties. She also served on the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the Southern District of Texas, representing clients in federal court.

After fifteen years in private practice, Lori joined Harris County’s Office of Managed Assigned Counsel as a Resource Attorney and later served as a Magistrate Judge. Today, she brings her extensive courtroom experience and passion for justice to Michael & Associates, where she focuses on defending the rights of the accused across Texas.

Career History

Attorney at Law

Lori Botello, Attorney at Law
May 2024 – October 2025
Greater Houston, Texas

Criminal Law Hearing Officer

Harris County
July 2022 – February 2024
Harris County, Texas

Resource Attorney

Office of Managed Assigned Counsel · Full-time
September 2021 – July 2022
Harris County, Texas

Attorney

Lori Botello, Attorney at Law
November 2006 – August 2021
Houston, Texas

Awards

• American Association of Attorney Advocates Top 10 Law Firm (2026)
• American Institute 10 Best Law Firm (2026)
• American Institute of Legal Advocates Top Law Firm (2026)
• American Institute of Trial Lawyers Best Law Firm (2026)