John Paul is a dedicated trial attorney who earned his Juris Doctor from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 2013. Since then, he has focused his practice on criminal defense and immigration law, passionately advocating for clients facing complex and high-stakes legal challenges.

With over two dozen jury trials taken to verdict, John Paul brings extensive courtroom experience and a results-driven approach to every case. He has successfully defended clients against some of the most serious charges and continues to uphold the firm's commitment to excellence, integrity, and client-focused representation.

Outside the courtroom, John Paul enjoys swimming, exploring film and theater, and traveling internationally.

Stephanie Pimentel is a dedicated litigation associate focused on criminal defense. A proud native of McAllen, Texas, Stephanie brings a strong connection to her community and a steadfast commitment to justice for her clients.

She earned her Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where she developed a passion for trial work and sharpened her litigation skills.  Stephanie has earned a reputation for achieving favorable results in complex criminal cases.

Fluent in Spanish, Stephanie is a strong advocate for underrepresented and Spanish-speaking communities, guided by a deep sense of cultural pride and client-centered advocacy.

Outside the courtroom, Stephanie enjoys relaxing with her two cats, Nala and Mercury.

After earning her degree in liberal arts, Anna has built a career working for attorneys in different areas of the law. She brings that experience to the firm as she assists with preparing cases for trial, researching and document retention, and interacts with courts and opposing counsel regarding scheduling, discovery, and advanced motion practice.

Samantha coordinates with clients, courts, and opposing counsel and assists in the organization and smooth functioning of our docket. In addition to working with our firm, Samantha is undertaking courses in paralegal studies.

Paul was first licensed in 1972 after graduating from South Texas College of Law. In his career, he has focused on criminal defense, family, and civil matters. He was recognized for practicing for 50 years by the State Bar of Texas in 2020. Paul is currently enjoying a well earned retirement from the firm.

A native of the Rio Grande Valley, Danny began his legal journey with the firm as a summer clerk while attending the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. During law school, he distinguished himself as a skilled advocate, earning Order of the Barristers honors and competing nationally with the TMSL Mock Trial team.

As a clerk, Danny played an integral role in preparing a high-profile super aggravated felony case, which resulted in a Not Guilty verdict — a defining early moment in his legal career. Following graduation, he was selected for a prestigious briefing clerkship with the 13th Court of Appeals, where he deepened his legal research and writing skills while studying for the bar.

Danny has since returned to the firm, serving an integral role of every jury trial since, bringing sharp trial instincts, a strong appellate foundation, and a deep commitment to client advocacy.

Malachi Ledbetter is a dedicated attorney at the Cedillo Law Firm, where he focuses on criminal defense and civil litigation. A proud graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Malachi honed his trial skills as a standout competitor on the school’s nationally recognized mock trial team.

Before becoming a licensed attorney, Malachi served as a law clerk with the firm, quickly earning the respect of clients and colleagues through his sharp legal insight and unwavering commitment to justice. He now brings that same tenacity to every case he handles, advocating fiercely for the rights of his clients both inside and outside the courtroom.

Kimberly focuses on our immigration cases: from removal defense to visa application, her experience and assistance in protecting our clients in their most vulnerable of situations is crucial.

Arelys Ramirez is a seasoned litigation paralegal with a strong background in criminal defense and a deep commitment to client advocacy. She brings years of experience supporting attorneys in high-stakes cases, with a focus on thorough case preparation, discovery, and trial support. Her sharp attention to detail and calm under pressure make her an invaluable asset in and out of the courtroom.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Arelys plays a key role in ensuring that our bilingual clients feel informed and empowered throughout the legal process. She is proud to reunite with Attorney Stephanie Pimentel and is passionate about delivering clear, compassionate support to every client she serves.

Gerald studied creative writing at the University of Houston before taking his talents to the Law firm. He has successfully prepared and assisted in numerous felony, misdemeanor, and immigration proceedings and has been vital to the success of the firm at trial.