Shiraya "Raya" Jackson

Hard work and helping others has always been a guiding principle in my life. In 2008 and 2009, while in high school, in addition to working at a retirement home and with the Harris County Street Olympics program, I offered free tutoring sessions in a range of subjects to children who needed educational and financial assistance. I graduated as a member of the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), which recognizes academic excellence among high-achieving students internationally. Later, while pursuing my undergraduate degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, I maintained a spot on the Dean’s List and subsequently I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science (minoring in psychology) as a member of the Honor’s College from the University of Houston and since the age of 16 have simultaneously maintained full-time employment.

In January of 2017, my grandmother had a sudden heart attack and passed away two months after cancer took my grandfather. Until this moment, her heart had been perfectly healthy. As my family struggled to find closure with her abrupt passing, it became clear to me that not everyone is lucky enough to have a supportive home that loves each other and grieves together. I realized then that I could help families by sharpening my legal skills and supporting them while they seek counsel. Now, at Walters Gilbreath, PLLC, I serve our clients not only as a confidant but also as a shoulder to lean on. I am also blessed enough to be able to serve as the eyes and ears of the court in providing legal services necessary to assist the court in protecting the best interests of children in the role as an Amicus Attorney and receive court appointments as an Attorney Ad Litem to locate Respondents after service via publication, to represent those facing possible jail time on Enforcement suits, to represent incapacitated persons and Guardian Ad Litem and/or Attorney Ad Litem to represent children in cases involving the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (CPS) while assisting thousands of families in their divorce and child custody litigation.

I am proud to be part of such a hard-working firm that genuinely cares about its clients. Working in family law is extremely trying, taxing, and exhausting, but every moment is worth it. Give us a call and experience the comprehensive and caring counsel of Walters Gilbreath for yourself.

• Attorney, Walters Gilbreath, PLLC, 2021–Present
• Litigation Manager, Walters Gilbreath, PLLC, 2015–2021
• Library Assistant, Houston College of Law, 2013–2015
• Law Clerk, Brian Walters Law Firm, 2014-2015
• Legal Assistant, Lance Hamm Law Firm, 2011–2013

• South Texas College of Law, J.D., 2013–2016
• University of Houston, B.A., 2011–2013

• Volunteer, Washington Chapel Baptist Church
• Volunteer, Harris County Street Olympics
• Volunteer, New Mount Zion Baptist Church

• University of Houston & South Texas College of Law Alumni
• Texas Bar College Family Law Division
• Top Ladies of America
• The Houston Family Law Group
• Houston Bar Association
• Texas Bar College
• African American Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Texas
• Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas
• Amicus Attorney & Certified Guardian/Attorney Ad Litem
• Guest Speaker Event(s) for Continuing Legal Education for Tom King & Houston Bar Association

• Hometown: Houston, TX
• Favorite sports team: The Houston Rockets
• Freelance novelist
• Three dogs, Lola, Legend and Lyric
• Avid painter