Buck Files Jr. - Tyler, TX
Attorney at Files Harrison & Millslagle P.C.
Criminal Law – State and Federal Lawyers in Tyler, TX
100 E. Ferguson Suite 404 Tyler, TX 75702
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
63
Years
Experience
Tyler Criminal Law – State and Federal Lawyer
Updated: 07/03/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Law – State and Federal
Attorney Information
Overview
Buck Files is a shareholder and founding member of the firm.
Buck is a criminal defense lawyer who -- together with Brett Harrison -- represents individuals and corporations accused in the Texas and Federal courts of criminal conduct.
Buck began his legal career prosecuting or defending individuals before general and special courts-martial of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy in Hawaii, Okinawa, and the Republic of Vietnam. After completing his military service, Buck spent over three years as an assistant (and then First Assistant) criminal district attorney in Smith County. Buck then entered the private practice of law as a defense attorney.
Buck has represented clients in the Texas courts charged with everything from the possession of small quantities of marijuana and driving while intoxicated cases to capital murder cases. In the Federal courts, Buck has represented clients charged with everything from white-collar fraud and drug conspiracies to the possession of child pornography. Buck has also been retained by corporate counsel to represent their clients in OSHA, EPA, USDA and immigration cases.
Buck has represented many clients in high profile cases. CourtTV has covered more than 70 days of his trials. Perhaps Buck’s most challenging and emotionally draining case was his representation of a mother who was charged with the murder of two of her children and a serious injury of a third. Buck raised an insanity defense. The jury agreed with him and returned a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity – – the first such verdict in Smith County for at least the past 60 years.
Buck is a charter member and former director of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He is also a long time member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Over the Years, Buck Has Been Honored by His Peers
- The Texas Bar Foundation has recognized Buck with the Outstanding 50 Year Lawyer Award (2015) and a Sustaining Life Fellow.
- In 2012, Buck received the Tom Garner Award from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The inscription read, “In recognition of distinguished service to the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.”
- In 2011, Buck was inducted into the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association’s Hall of Fame.
- In 2008, Buck received the Justinian Award from the Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism and the Smith County Bar Association.
- In 2007, Buck received a Presidential Citation from President Martha Dickie. The inscription read, “For your belief in our criminal justice system and your faith and confidence that Texas can and must get it right every time.”
- In 2007, Buck received the Outstanding Third Year Director Award from the Chair of the Board of Directors of the State Bar of Texas.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association’s Hall of Fame, 2011 - Present
- Defense Lawyer of the Year, Criminal Justice Section of the State Bar of Texas, 2004
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Criminal Justice Section of the State Bar of Texas, 2012
- Presidential Citation, State Bar of Texas, 2007
- Outstanding Third Year Director, State Bar of Texas, 2007
- Tom Garner Award, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2012
- Justinian Award, Smith County Bar Association, 2008
- Resolution by the Board of Directors, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2007
- Texas Bar Foundation, Outstanding 50 Year Lawyer Award (2015), Sustaining Life Fellow
- Lifetime Achievement Award,Criminal Justice Section of the Texas State Bar, 2012
- John H. Hannah, Jr. Award for Public Service, 2012
Other Sources of Feedback About Buck Files Jr.
Included on the 2022 Texas Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2021 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2018 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2017 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2016 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2015 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2014 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2013 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2012 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2011 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2010 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2009 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2008 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2007 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2006 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2004 Texas Super Lawyers list
- 2003 Texas Super Lawyers list
Education
Legal Education
-
Southern Methodist University School of Law,
Dallas,
Texas, 1963
J.D.
Non Legal Education
-
Austin College,
Sherman,
Texas, 1960
B.A.
Honors: Board of Trustees (2003 – present) -
Southern Methodist University,
Dallas,
Texas, 1974
M.L.A.
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Shareholder
-
Founding member
Past Positions
- United States Marine Corps, 1963 – 1967
- Smith County Assistant and First Assistant District Attorney, 1967 – 1970
Classes and Seminars
-
Course Director, SBOT's Advanced Criminal Law Course, 1997
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Speaker, "Confessions", SBOT's Advanced Criminal Law Course, 1983
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Speaker, "Privileges", SBOT's Advanced Criminal Law Course, 1985 - 1988
- Speaker, "Fifth Circuit Opinions", SBOT's Advanced Criminal Law Course, 1990-2004, 2006-2008
Published Works
Articles
-
DWI Myths and Reality, Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in Texas, Aspatore, 2008
-
Federal Corner Articles, Voice for the Defense Magazine, (150+ articles)
Bar Admissions
- Texas, 1963
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas, 1974
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas, 1974
- U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 1975
- Supreme Court of Texas
- Supreme Court of the United States of America
Specialties and Certifications
- Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1975
- Criminal Trial Advocacy, National Board Of Trial Advocacy, 1997
Other Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas, President 2012-2013, Director 2004-2007
- Smith County Bar Association (Former Director)
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (Charter member & former Director)
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- College of the State Bar of Texas
- Texas Bar Foundation (Sustaining Life Fellow)
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2007 - 2011
- TBLS's Criminal Law Advisory Commission, 1999 - 2004 ((Chair 2002 - 2004))
- State Bar of Texas, 1992 - 1996 (Grievance Committee, District 2)
- Austin College, 2003 - Present (Board of Trustees)
- East Texas Symphony Orchestra Association (Past President)
- United States Marine Corps, 1962 - 1967
- Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
Fraternities and Sororities
- Phi Alpha Delta
Photo
Contact
100 E. Ferguson
Suite 404
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone Number: 903-595-3573
Email: Send a message
Website: https://filesharrisonmillslagle.com/
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