ROBERT A. SCARDINO, JR.

A native Houstonian, Robert received his law degree from University of Houston. Robert's father was a respected attorney and Judge with whom Robert initially began his practice of law in 1972. He established his own practice in the mid-1970s and quickly earned a reputation as a gifted advocate in the courtroom who often welcomed the challenge of defending the "impossible case", trying over 15 capital murder cases.

Robert is licensed to practice law in the state of Texas, as well as in the United States District Courts throughout the United States and the Fifth Circuit. Scardino & Courtney travel extensively in their representation of clients in the United States District Courts. Robert also served as Foreman of the Grand Jury for the 248th Judicial District.

After 30 years of practicing law in this arena, he remains enthusiastic in his commitment to defend citizens accused of crimes and in ensuring them a vigorous defense, with the highest regard of ethics advocated by both the Texas and Federal Bar.

During a broadcast of the television news magazine 48 Hours, CBS News referred to Robert Scardino as "One of Houston's top criminal defense lawyers". He was recognized as "Attorney of the Year" by the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association in 1999, sharing that distinction with Mike Ramsey, Dick DeGuerin, Dan Cogdell, Richard "Racehorse" Haynes, Paul Nugent and Mike DeGeurin.
 

SCOT R. COURTNEY

Scot is also a native Houstonian, growing-up in the Spring-Klein area. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a double major from Southwest Texas State University in 1990. Scot attended Thurgood Marshall School of Law, during which he was a distinguished senior staff member of Law Review and was published in the Fall of 1993.

Scot has been associated with Robert since he began as a law clerk in 1993. After receiving his Juris Doctorate with honors in 1994, he immediately began practicing law under Mr. Scardino's tutelage, and has ample trial experience both teamed with Mr. Scardino at trial and solo.

Scot is licensed in the State of Texas, as well as in the United States Federal District Courts, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals as well as the United States Supreme Court and is a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, as well as MENSA.

Having never prosecuted for the government, Scot's entire legal career has involved the protection of citizens' rights, the study of constitutional law and the criminal procedures to be adhered to in the trial of a citizen accused of a crime. His practice has been marked by success at the trial level and he heads the appellate practice of the firm.
 

ALI R. FAZEL

Ali was born in Iran and was educated in Spain, England and the United States. His family immigrated to Houston, Texas in 1981 and he became a United States citizen in 1996. Ali is also multi-lingual; he is fluent in both Spanish and Farsi.

Ali received a BBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Houston in 1994. While attending the University of Houston, Ali amassed fours years experience in the banking industry with J.P. Morgan Chase.

Ali attended law school at South Texas College of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate in November 1999. Ali joined Scardino & Courtney as an associate in 2000 and became a partner with Scardino, Courtney & Fazel, L.L.P. in January 2004.

Ali is licensed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, U.S. Federal District Courts for the Southern, Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas, as well as in the State of Texas. Ali actively practices in both state and federal courts, including the juvenile courts of Texas.

Ali is a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States, State Bar of Texas, State Bar of Texas Juvenile Division, The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, The Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Houston Bar Association.

Coupled with his formal education in finance, Ali’s involvement in the firm's federal "white collar" practice has been a particularly valued asset to both the firm and their clients.