Margaret R. Halberd
Founding Partner
Civil litigation, family law
Bar admissions: Texas · Federal District Courts · Fifth Circuit
“A well-prepared brief is the most persuasive argument you can make.”
About the firm
A firm that prepares
like the case goes to trial.
Halberd Law Group was established in Austin in 1998 by Margaret R. Halberd following a decade as a civil trial litigator at a regional firm. The practice was built on a specific premise: that the preparation standard applied to major litigation should be the same preparation standard applied to every matter, regardless of size or complexity.
The firm grew from a solo practice to its current structure — three attorneys across six practice disciplines — through a combination of referral work and a consistent reputation for thoroughness. We do not advertise beyond this website. Approximately 70% of new client matters originate from existing client referrals or attorney referrals from other practices.
We are a general-practice firm by design. Many of our clients come to us with matters that span disciplines — a family law client whose divorce involves a closely held business, a criminal defense client whose charges have civil implications. The depth of our practice areas reflects the actual range of issues our clients face.
How we approach every engagement
Prepared, not reactive
We read the file before the first meeting. We review discovery before depositions. Preparation is not a phase — it is our approach to every engagement.
Specific, not generic
The facts of your matter are specific. Our strategy should be too. We do not apply standard arguments to non-standard situations.
Honest about what is achievable
We will not tell you what you want to hear. We will tell you what the record supports and what realistic outcomes look like, before you make decisions.
Responsive throughout
You will not wait weeks for a return call. You will know the status of your matter, the next step, and what we need from you at every material point in the engagement.
The attorneys
Who you will work with
James T. Okafor
Partner
Business + estate
Bar admissions: Texas · New York · Federal District Courts
“Every transaction has a hidden assumption. My job is to find it before it becomes a dispute.”
Priya M. Vance
Senior Associate
Personal injury + criminal defense
Bar admissions: Texas · Federal District Courts
“I read every piece of discovery before I make a single call. That's not extra — that's minimum.”
Ready to discuss your matter?
Consultations are free and confidential.