About Garrett Charles
Garrett Charles Emerson graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2017. He completed his legal education at a San Antonio law school known for its trial advocacy programs. The degree set the stage for a career centered on criminal law in Texas.
He began practicing the same year he graduated. In 2017 he joined Goldstein, Goldstein, Hilley & Orr as an associate attorney. That role exposed him to courtroom work and case preparation at a busy firm. In 2019 he took two distinct roles. He became a partner at Emerson Law Office, where he managed client files and oversaw litigation. In the same year he served as an Assistant District Lawyer in the 216th District Lawyer’s Office, gaining experience on the prosecution side.
In 2021 he moved into public defense as a felony public defender with the Hill Country Regional Public Defender Office. That position involved representing clients in serious criminal cases and handling trials at the district court level. He returned to private practice in 2023 when he joined Cofer & Connelly, PLLC as a senior associate lawyer. He has worked from the firm’s Kerrville and Austin offices.
Emerson’s work spans both prosecution and defense. Early prosecutorial experience gave him exposure to grand jury proceedings, charging decisions, and the dynamics of the district attorney’s office. As a public defender he handled felony dockets, managed trial calendars, and represented indigent clients through plea negotiations and jury trials. In private practice he has continued to litigate criminal matters while advising individual clients on case strategy and post-conviction options.
His professional path shows steady movement between public service and private practice. That mix has informed his courtroom approach and case management. He has practiced in Texas state courts throughout his career and continues to work in the state.
Emerson is currently a senior associate at Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, working from the firm’s Kerrville and Austin offices. He focuses on criminal defense and trial practice in state courts.
