Mike Hanson

Senior Counsel | Area Lead

Mike Hanson is a highly accomplished trial attorney at Varghese Summersett, where he oversees the firm’s Houston office. He has been practicing law for nearly a decade—as a prosecutor, military lawyer, and now a sought-after defense attorney.

He has extensive experience handling a wide range of misdemeanors and felonies, having tried more than 60 cases before a jury. He is especially passionate about cases involving juveniles and veterans, at-risk populations that often deserve treatment and rehabilitation over harsh punishment. As a juvenile law attorney, he has handled numerous juvenile certification hearings, including cases involving aggravated robbery and murder.

As a Judge Advocate (JAG lawyer) with the U.S. Army Reserves and a former D1 football player, Mike is not afraid to go into battle — whether it’s defending his clients in court or advocating for justice outside of it.

Mike’s drive and resilience were shaped by his modest upbringing in Del Rio, Texas, where his father worked as a Border Patrol Agent and his mom as a social worker. Mike went on to graduate from Texas Tech University, playing linebacker under the late legendary Coach Mike Leach, before earning his Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University School of Law. Mike credits part of his interest in pursuing law to Coach Leach, who encouraged him to “Swing Your Sword” – a motivational phrase he often used to inspire players to give their best effort and fully commit to their goals, both in football and in life.

After law school, Mike served as an Assistant District Attorney in Tarrant County before moving to the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office in Richmond. As a prosecutor, he handled virtually every type of criminal case, from DWI to domestic violence. His primary focus in recent years included juvenile law, veterans treatment court, and felony animal cruelty cases.

While serving as a prosecutor, Mike was selected as a Judge Advocate (military officer) for the Texas Army National Guard, where he rose to the rank of Captain. In this role, he provided legal advice to military personnel and commanders and supported operations in the CENTCOM region, which primarily covers the Middle East. In 2022, while serving as a prosecutor, he was deployed to Kuwait to support Operation Enduring Freedom (Spartan Shield). While modest, Mike received numerous awards for his service while deployed overseas.

Recently, Mike transitioned from the Texas Army National Guard to the United States Army Reserve JAG Corps, where he continues to serve his country and fellow soldiers while simultaneously building his criminal defense career.

Mike’s experience as a military lawyer and former prosecutor has greatly influenced his approach to criminal defense. It has given him a unique perspective on the justice system and a deep understanding of the pressures his clients face. His strategic mindset honed both in the courtroom and on the battlefield, allows him to fiercely defend his client’s rights while navigating complex legal challenges with precision and integrity.

Outside of the courtroom, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He also runs a popular TikTok channel – @TexasDadLawyer – where he educates viewers about their legal rights and shares his insights on current criminal law issues.

Through social media, Mike bridges an important gap in access to justice, helping thousands gain legal knowledge wherever a WiFi connection is available. Beyond his online presence, Mike is committed to philanthropy, supporting numerous non-profit organizations. In 2023, he summited Mt. Kilimanjaro as part of the ‘Clean Water Climb,’ raising funds for water-well repairs in Malawi.

Education

• Texas Tech University School of Law
  Juris Doctor, 2014
• Texas Tech University School of Law
  Bachelor of Arts, English and Communication, 2011
• Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School
  2021

Honors, Memberships, and Awards

• Judge Advocate, United States Army Reserves, 2024
• Judge Advocate, Texas Army National Guard, 2020-2024
• Vice President and Director for District 21, Texas Young Lawyers Association, 2024
• Texas Access to Justice Commission – Veterans Committee, 2024
• Immediate Past-President, Fort Bend Young Lawyers Association, 2023
• Award of Merit, Texas Young Lawyers Association, 2023-2024
• Army Commendation Medal, 2022
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, 2022
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal, 2022
• Texas House of Representatives Service Award, 2021
• Houston Young Lawyers Association
• Houston Bar Association
• Lawyers Without Borders
• Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow

Practice Areas

• Juvenile Defense
• Veterans Defense
• State Criminal Defense
• Felonies
• Misdemeanors
• Violent Offenses
• Animal Cruelty Cases
• Intoxication Offenses
• Drug Charges
• Property Crimes