Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas R. Nicole Stagg-Shehadeh

2023 SUPER P&E

own and opened Stagg and Associates, PLLC. The law firm specializes in family and criminal law, estate planning, personal injury and general civil litigation services. Stagg plays a vital role in helping people through some of the more difficult periods of their lives by using her legal expertise and empathy. The law maven is also a certified mediator in civil and family law litigation.

The legal practitioner is a graduate of Texas Southern University and Thurgood Marshall School of Law. During her law school studies, Stagg interned at the offices of The Honorable State Senator Rodney Ellis, now Harris County Commissioner. It was during her apprenticeship that she gained a greater understanding of social injustices while developing a strong passion to help vulnerable adults, families, and children receive equal and meaningful access to legal representation.

Stagg’s membership list has grown over the years with organizations such as the State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section and the Houston Bar Association – Family Law Section. In addition, she belonged to Law Burta Rhodes Raborn Inns of Court, American Inns of Court, Houston Bar Association’s Night Court, and various establishments for many years.

arbitrator for the Texas State Comptroller’s Office, and is of counsel for the Californiabased law firm of Higbee and Associates.

Her community involvement has seen her duty as what President Obama referred to as our responsibility as a “citizen” not just a “consumer.” She’s been active as a mentor to young people and a peer helper through volunteering. She has presented at various conferences and symposiums, and is an advocate for social justice, equality, and equity.

Described as a rare combination of intellect, boldness, and extraordinary kindness, Stagg upholds that to her best. Some have referred to her “commanding prominence” in court and her heartfelt desire to achieve good outcomes for the clients she serves. She is married to Fadi Shehadeh where the two share a daughter, Arianna. Perhaps the family legacy will continue with Arianna as Stagg’s mother, Helen, was a recipient of the “Top Professionals and Entrepreneurs (P&E) of Texas Award” in 2020.

R. Nicole Stagg-Shehadeh Owner Stagg and Associates, PLLC 1001 Texas, Suite 960 Houston, TX 77002

Houston-based attorney, R. Nicole Stagg, started her outstanding career path practicing law over twenty years ago. She received her undergraduate degree in 1998 from Stephen F. Austin State University in Political Science where she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

In 2002 Stagg opened James and Stagg, PLLC and in 2022, she opened Stagg and Associates, PLLC. This jump started her primary practice in family law. However, once she was exposed to the intersection of family and criminal defense, the broad legal area of family law in conjunction with her drive and business growth, Stagg added another route to her path. That same year, she branched out on her

The memberships don’t stop there. Stagg has affiliations with Texas Pro Bono College, The Family Law Group Houston, The Downtown Group, and is an Equal Access Champion.

As a licensed attorney, she’s been able to use her skills in the Texas Southern District Bankruptcy Courts and in the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. She’s also served in a variety of capacities as a contract attorney for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, Texas Board of Pardons and Parole.

With court work being the norm, Stagg has also been an adjunct professor at Houston Community College where she taught criminal justice, government, and business law. Currently, works as an independent hearing examiner for the Texas Education Agency and as an

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