A Circus You Can Be Proud Of…

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Attorney Jorge Vela and Learn About His Trailblazing Family

AUSTIN BAR: Tell us about your background.

VELA: I was born and raised in Laredo, Texas. I attended Vanderbilt University, where I graduated with a double major in Spanish Literature and Political Science. Before law school, I spent two years traveling and working in the hospitality industry. I spent time in Madrid, Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia. I eventually went to The University of Texas School of Law and became a lawyer in 2011.

My great-grandfather, Edmondo Zacchini, was credited with inventing the human cannonball. My grandmother, Duina Zacchini, and her brothers were shot from the cannon as human cannonballs. ... John Ringling, from the Ringling Brothers circus, saw their act in Europe and immigrated my entire family to the United States[.]

AUSTIN BAR: What was your idea of a “dream job” growing up? What profession did you picture for yourself?

VELA: Growing up, I told myself I would never wear a suit to work. My dream job was to be an expedition/mountain guide. I have always been an avid outdoorsman. I make sure I take at least two backcountry camping trips a year. I really enjoy taking people backcountry camping for the first time. I think it would be fulfilling to do that for a living.

AUSTIN BAR: What’s a favorite thing to do or place to go in Austin?

VELA: I think Barton Springs and Deep Eddy are the last crown jewels in Austin. There is a “secret spot” in Barton Springs where you can actually feel the spring water coming out of the rocks. During hot summers, that little spot feels like the fountain of youth.

AUSTIN BAR: What is your current job, how long have you had it, and what do you enjoy most about it?

VELA: I am the owner of Vela Law, a criminal defense firm in Austin. We handle state and federal cases all over Texas. No question, the best part about my job is heading to jury trial. Every trial is intense and challenging. I enjoy going against a quality opposing counsel, then getting a beer together when it’s all said and done.

AUSTIN BAR: Tell us a hobby or something about you people may be surprised to know.

VELA: I come from a family of circus performers! My great grandfather, Edmondo Zacchini, was credited with inventing the human cannonball. My grandmother, Duina Zacchini, and her brothers were shot from the cannon as human cannonballs. They were known as the “Flying Zacchinis.” They started a circus in Italy. John Ringling, from the Ringling Brothers circus, saw their act in Europe and immigrated my entire family to the United States in the 1930s. The phrase, “The Greatest Show on Earth,” originated from their circus act.

AUSTIN BAR: Choose your favorite legal drama from television and tell why: Law & Order, Night Court, LA Law, Perry Mason, or another?

VELA: I actually hate legal dramas! Lol. All I do is prepare for trial. Watching legal dramas feels like I’m back at work. Plus, they never portray courtroom procedure correctly. I can’t be the only lawyer that feels this way.

AUSTIN BAR: Which television judge would you most rather go before on a case: Judge Mathis, Judge Judy, Judge Steve Harvey, Judge Joe Brown, or any other?

VELA: Without a doubt, the best TV judge is Judge Chamberlain Haller from My Cousin Vinny! I would love to try a case in front of that guy. AL

Jorge Vela is a criminal defense attorney in Austin. He is the son of a Mexican immigrant and provides legal services to the Spanish-speaking community in Texas. Vela is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and a former Assistant District Attorney. He now defends clients accused of both state and federal crimes.