R. Nicole Stagg, a Houston-based attorney, started her outstanding career path practicing law over twenty years ago. Stagg received her undergraduate degree in 1998 from Stephen F. Austin State University in Political Science where she also became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In 2002, Stagg, opened as a co-founder and partner, The Law Offices of James and Stagg, PLLC. Stagg started her primary practice in family law. However, after seeing the intersection of family and criminal defense, and the broad legal area of family law, along with her drive and passion, her business has grown exponentially. She now has a general service law firm, and practices family law, criminal law, estate planning, personal injury law, and general civil litigation. In 2022, Stagg branched out on her own, and opened Stagg and Associates, PLLC. Stagg plays a vital role in helping people through some of the more difficult periods of their lives, by using her legal expertise and exceptional empathy. Stagg is certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in family law, and is a certified mediator in civil and family law litigation.
Stagg is a 2001 graduate of Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law. While attending Law School, Stagg interned in the offices of The Honorable State Senator Rodney Ellis (now Harris County Commissioner) and the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. It is during her internships that Stagg gained a greater understanding of social injustices and developed a strong passion to help vulnerable adults, families, and children receive equal and meaningful access to legal representation.
Stagg is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section, and is a member of the Houston Bar Association, Family Law Section, and the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists. Additionally, she was member of the Family Law Burta Rhodes Raborn Inns of Court, American Inns of Court, Houston Bar Association’s Night Court, and various other organizations for many years.
Stagg is also licensed to practice in the Texas Southern District Bankruptcy Courts and in the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, and she serves in a variety of capacities such as a contract attorney for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, Texas Board of Pardons and Parole. She is also a member of the Texas Pro Bono College, The Family Law Group Houston, The Downtown Group, and is an Equal Access Champion. Additionally, Stagg is AV Peer RatedbyMartindale-Hubbell. Stagg, is also a recipient of the, “2023 Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards”
Alongside court work, Stagg has also been an adjunct professor at Houston Community College where she taught criminal justice, government, and business law. Currently, Stagg serves as an independent hearing examiner for the Texas Education Agency and as an arbitrator for the Texas State Comptroller’s Office, and is of counsel for the California-based law firm of Higbee and Associates.
Stagg is engaged in community and sees her duty as what President Obama referred to as our responsibility as a “citizen” not just a “consumer.” She has been active as a mentor to young people and as a volunteer. She has presented at various conferences and symposiums, and is an advocate for social justice, equality, and equity.
Stagg is described as a rare combination of intellect, boldness, and extraordinary kindness. Some have referred to her “commanding prominence” in court and her heartfelt desire to achieve good outcomes for the clients she serves.
