Laurie Drymalla - Austin, TX
Attorney at O'Connell West, PLLC
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Austin, TX
505 West 12th St. Suite 200 Austin, TX 78701
Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 04/17/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
- Personal Injury
- Family Law
- Military Defense
Attorney Information
Overview
Laurie Drymalla has dedicated her career to advocating for those who need it most, a commitment that began early in life. In high school, she volunteered to teach English in Costa Rica; during college, she served the homeless community in Washington, D.C. After graduating from Baylor Law School, Laurie started her legal career by representing indigent clients as a court-appointed attorney in Bexar County’s criminal county courts in San Antonio, Texas. There, she excelled at resolving cases favorably before trial. Recognizing the value of courtroom experience, she joined the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office in 1997 to build the trial skills essential for effectively defending her future clients’ rights. Over the next two decades, Laurie served as an Assistant District/County Attorney in multiple offices across Central Texas. Her extensive prosecutorial experience encompasses a wide range of cases, including domestic violence, serious violent felonies, homicides, white-collar crimes, drug offenses, and police use-of-force investigations. At the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, she held leadership roles as Chief of the 167th District Court (for three years) and Chief of the Critical Incident Unit (for four years). In 2021, Laurie transitioned to private practice, joining O’Connell West, PLLC, where she now leverages her deep insider knowledge of the criminal justice system to defend those accused of crimes. She also served as an Associate Judge for the City of Lago Vista. Clients benefit from Laurie’s proven track record, resulting in consistently favorable outcomes. Whether you need a formidable trial attorney or a compassionate, trusted advisor to navigate the system, consult on a complex case, or prepare for grand jury or court testimony, Laurie Drymalla brings unmatched expertise, tenacity, and dedication to every client she represents.
Education
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Legal Education
- Baylor University School of Law, Waco, Texas
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Non Legal Education
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Vanderbilt University
B.A.
Honors: cum laude
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Vanderbilt University
Current Employment Position(s)
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Attorney
Past Positions
- Bexar County District Attorney’s Office
- Travis County District Attorney’s Office, Chief of the 167th District Court and Chief of the Critical Incident Unit
- City of Lago Vista, Associate Magistrate Judge
- Associate Judge, City of Lago Vista
- Assistant District Attorney, McLennan County District Attorney’s Office
- Assistant County Attorney, Travis County Attorney’s Office
- Assistant District Attorney, Bexar County District Attorney’s Office
Bar Admissions
- Supreme Court of Texas
- U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
Other Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas
- Federal Bar Association
- Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Reviews
Highlights
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5.0 Value
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5.0 Quality of Service
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5.0 Professional Competence
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Photo
Contact
505 West 12th St.
Suite 200
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-649-8281
Email: Send a message
Hours: Normal Business Hours // Emergencies 24-7
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