Lori Botello - Austin, TX
Attorney at Michael & Associates
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Austin, TX
500 W 2nd St Suite 1900 Austin, TX 78701
- Free Consultation
Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 05/19/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
- DUI/DWI
- Drug Violations
- Sex Offenses
- Domestic Violence & Neglect
Attorney Information
Overview
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.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- 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)
- Presidential Award for Service (2013)
Education
-
Legal Education
-
South Texas College of Law Houston,
Houston,
Texas, 2006
J.D.
-
South Texas College of Law Houston,
Houston,
Texas, 2006
-
Non Legal Education
-
University of Texas at Austin, 2003
BBA, Marketing, Art History
Major: Bachelor’s degree
-
University of Texas at Austin, 2003
Past Positions
- Harris County’s Office of Managed Assigned Counsel, Resource Attorney
- Harris County’s Office of Managed Assigned Counsel (Magistrate Judge)
- Lori Botello, Attorney at Law, Greater Houston, Texas, Attorney at Law, May, 2024 - October, 2025
- Harris County, Texas, Criminal Law Hearing Officer, July, 2022 - February, 2024
- Office of Managed Assigned Counsel, Harris County, Texas, Resource Attorney, September, 2021 - July, 2022
- Lori Botello, Attorney at Law, Houston, Texas, Attorney, September, 2006 - August, 2021
Languages
-
English
-
Spanish
Bar Admissions
- Texas, 2006
Other Affiliations
- State Bar College (Member)
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) (Member)
- Disability and Elder Law Attorneys Association, 2010 - Present
- Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, 2009 - Present
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2009 - Present
- Houston Bar Association, Probate Section, 2008 - Present
- Houston Bar Association, 2006 - Present
Photo
Disclaimer
Your Profile? Update Now
When viewing a listing, consider the state advertising restrictions to which lawyers and law firms must adhere, as well as our FindLaw.com Legal Directory disclaimer. Some lawyers publish comparative information regarding the services that they provide which may be subject to specific comparative communications restrictions.