Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Hernandez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Arizona and moved to South Texas around the 4th grade. I enjoyed growing up on a small ranch and have really fond memories of my childhood, my family has always been very close.
In high school, I was very active in various organizations. I played tennis and served as the President of the Bluebonnets (a Junior Women’s Club organization), my 4-H Club, and the 4-H County Council. I was also honored as Queen of the Kleberg Kenedy County Junior Livestock Show my junior year. My involvement extended to media technology, where I hosted a talk show for a local station. I graduated with honors, ranking in the top 10% of my class.
After high school, I moved to San Antonio to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where I pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management with a concentration in International Business. College was a time of growth—I worked as a server and bartender and even joined the Red Bull Wiiings Team, all while maintaining my studies and enjoying life to the fullest. I graduated in 2011, ready for the next chapter.
As I began interviewing for entry-level positions, I realized my heart wasn’t in it, and I knew I’d quickly get bored. So, I decided to pursue further education. I knew the dream of becoming a lawyer had always been at the back of my mind. I bought a book called “LSAT for Dummies,” studied hard, took practice tests, and eventually took the LSAT. When I received my acceptance letter from St. Mary’s University School of Law, it felt surreal. My first day of law school was one of the few times I felt I was exactly where I needed to be.
Law school opened doors to incredible opportunities. I studied abroad in China, competed on the mock trial team, and worked as a law clerk for the esteemed firm of Goldstein, Goldstein, and Hilley (now Goldstein & Orr). After graduating and passing the bar in 2016, I joined the Flanary Law Firm, PLLC, a criminal defense firm I helped establish. For nearly a decade, I worked alongside Donald H. Flanary III, learning the art of trial law and gaining invaluable experience. Earlier this year, I decided to branch out and start my own practice, Amanda Hernandez Law, and also serve as “Of Counsel” with the Flanary Law Firm.
Throughout my career, I’ve become involved in key legal organizations, such as the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association (TCDLA), where I served as a board member for several years, and the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association (SACDLA), where I now serve as Vice President. Currently, I am also the Vice President for the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP). I’ve also been honored to receive several accolades along the way, including SACDLA’s 2019 Young Lawyer of the Year and being named a “Rising Star” in criminal defense by San Antonio Magazine in 2020 and Super Lawyers in 2024.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although I’ve been fortunate to have a strong support system, the journey has not been without its struggles. Entering law school as a first-generation lawyer was eye-opening. I didn’t realize how rare it was to come from a family with no legal background, or that some of my peers didn’t face the same financial hurdles. Rather than discouraging me, it fueled my drive to work harder and prove myself.
As a female in a male-dominated industry, I’ve faced challenges. Criminal defense can sometimes feel like a man’s world, with judges, prosecutors, other defense lawyers, and the majority of defendants often being men. This can create a sense of disconnect. Even more disheartening is being treated poorly by female judges or court staff. While it doesn’t happen often, it’s noticeable when I’m treated differently from my male counterparts solely because of my gender.
I’m also still learning how to balance my work and personal life. I am deeply committed to my work, but I’m equally devoted to my family—my wonderful husband and stepdaughter. Finding harmony between these roles is an ongoing effort, but I’m grateful for a supportive partner who helps me manage the demands of both my career and home life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
When I started practicing law, I decided to dedicate myself to the practice of criminal defense. Through this role, I feel that I can truly help people and help them get through one of the hardest times of their life. Being accused of a federal or state crime or a sex offense can be terrifying. Your whole life can change. After a person has been charged, they often feel that they are immediately seen as monsters, which can be incredibly isolating and distressing. As a criminal defense attorney, I stand as a courageous and compassionate advocate. I believe that everyone is better than their worst moment. I have also learned the unfortunate reality that we live in a world where false allegations occur all the time, and they can disrupt your life just the same. I approach each case without judgment, focusing on protecting my clients’ rights with strategic insight and heartfelt sympathy. I take the time to listen to my clients and answer their questions, and I stand by their side from start to finish. I am truly proud of the work that I do, whether that means winning a trial or receiving a judgement that gives my client another chance at a successful life.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m in a rap music video as an extra, but I won’t say which one!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amandahernandezlaw.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandahernandezlaw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561215187517
