Creative Representation For Governmental Entities

Shareholder Announcement

The law firm of Denton Navarro Rocha Bernal & Zech is proud to announce that as of January 1, 2021 Clarissa M. Rodriguez, Robert Drinkard, Rebecca S. Hayward, and T. Daniel Santee. II and have been promoted to Shareholders. They have earned their positions through their commitment and dedication to our clients. Clarissa, Robert, Rebecca and Dan have demonstrated that they have the legal skills and dedication to now make them even more valuable to our firm and to our clients’ success.

New Shareholders

Clarissa M. Rodriguez

Clarissa M. Rodriguez is a Shareholder. Ms. Rodriguez earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from Texas A&M University in 1998, her Masters of Public Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2001, and her Juris Doctor from Drake University School of Law in 2006. She was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 2006. She has 14 years of legal experience and 12 years of municipal and economic development legal experience. Ms. Rodriguez is experienced in local government and municipal law, Texas Public Information Act, Open Meetings Act, with expertise in civil litigation, employment issues, ordinance drafting, land use, municipal infrastructure issues, premises liability, personal injury, civil rights, and constitutional issues. She often does training related to employment and civil service matters for clients.  Ms. Rodriguez is admitted to practice before the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, the United States District Court, Western District of Texas, and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

 

Robert L. Drinkard

Robert L. Drinkard is a Shareholder. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin in 1995 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law at Austin in 1998. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1998. He has 21 years of legal experience in municipal law. His experience includes representation of governmental entities, public officials in constitutional claims, civil rights, employment law, deceptive trade practices, planning and zoning and torts.  Mr. Drinkard is admitted to practice before the Western District of Texas, the Texas Supreme Court, the United States District Court Southern District of Texas, and the United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit.

 

Rebecca S. Hayward

Rebecca S. Hayward is a Shareholder. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Texas A & M International University in Laredo, Texas in 2008 and her Juris Doctor from Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida in 2011. She was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 2012. She is experienced in local government and municipal law, with expertise in civil litigation, labor and employment law, public sector labor negotiations, and municipal prosecution. She also defends governmental entities in federal civil rights claims and state law tort claims. She represents cities in collective bargaining negotiations with Fire and Police Associations and represents Fire and Police department heads in all aspects of the Texas Civil Service Act, including contested disciplinary proceedings and litigation of civil service issues. Ms. Hayward is admitted to practice before the United States District Court Southern District of Texas, the United States District Court Western District of Texas, and the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

 

Daniel Santee, II

Daniel Santee, II is a Shareholder. Mr. Santee earned his Bachelor of Arts-Psychology from Baylor University in 1991, and his Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1994. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1995. He has over 25 years of legal experience including 23 years of municipal legal experience and 21 years economic development legal experience. He is experienced in all facets of local government and municipal law, with expertise in land use, ordinance, code and charter construction and drafting, and economic development agreements. Mr. Santee is admitted to practice before the United States District Court Northern District of Texas. He holds merit certification for distinguished service in municipal law.