Tad Nelson and Associates Highlights Three Decades of Trial Experience, Scientific Training and Client Service
LEAGUE CITY AND GALVESTON, TEXAS. Tad Nelson & Associates is entering 2026 with more than three decades of service to clients throughout Galveston County and the Greater Houston area. The firm combines extensive trial experience, advanced scientific training and a serious commitment to client care. Its attorneys represent people facing criminal charges, family disputes and personal injuries. Every matter is handled with careful preparation, clear communication and close attention to the individual client.
Tad Nelson has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 1991. From 1992 through 1995, he served as a felony prosecutor in the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office under District Attorney Mike Guarino. Nelson handled cases in the 10th Judicial District Court and tried 39 jury cases during those three years. His prosecutorial experience gave him direct knowledge of how the government investigates allegations, develops arguments and presents evidence before a jury.
On June 1, 1995, Nelson moved to the defense side of the courtroom and founded Tad Nelson & Associates. Galveston County district judges soon began appointing him to demanding felony matters, including murder and sexual assault cases. These appointments reflected the trust he had earned through preparation and courtroom performance. They also helped establish the foundation of a criminal defense practice that has now served Southeast Texas for more than three decades.
In 1996, Nelson became Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Between late 1998 and early 2000, he secured 18 consecutive not guilty verdicts. He has since tried more than 400 jury trials throughout his legal career. That record has been built one case at a time through preparation, continuing education and direct experience before judges and juries. Past results do not guarantee the outcome of any future case.
Nelson has also pursued extensive scientific education related to criminal evidence. Between 2010 and 2014, he completed more than two and a half years of hands on instruction through five intensive trips to the operational laboratory of Dr. Edward Polite in Chicago. In February2014, he became the first person who was not an instructor in the course to earn the Lawyer Scientist designation through the American Chemical Society. He later earned a Master’s in Forensic Toxicology from the University of Florida in December 2016.
This scientific background helps Nelson evaluate blood alcohol testing, toxicology, drug analysis, DNA evidence and laboratory procedures. Texas criminal cases are governed by requirements contained in the official Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The firm examines how evidence was collected, preserved, tested and presented. This knowledge allows its attorneys to question the methods, assumptions and conclusions offered by government chemists, toxicologists and other scientific witnesses.
Managing Partner Amber Spurlock brings nearly two decades of experience across military, federal and civilian courts. Before entering private practice in Texas, she served as a Judge Advocate General in the United States Air Force. Spurlock prosecuted court martial proceedings and served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in federal court. She also deployed to Baghdad and presented cases before Iraqi courts inside the Red Zone. Her early career included litigation across three legal systems on two continents.
Spurlock later returned home to Galveston and brought her military discipline and courtroom experience into private practice. Her work includes criminal defense, family law, juvenile law, military law, criminal appeals and personal injury matters. She is particularly committed to representing veterans, juveniles and people experiencing mental health challenges. Spurlock has also taught at numerous legal and professional seminars, sharing her experience with members of the broader legal community
In 2015, Spurlock earned the Lawyer Scientist designation from the American Chemical Society and became an accredited Forensic Lawyer Scientist. Tad Nelson & Associates therefore has two scientifically trained attorneys who can independently evaluate forensic evidence. Together, Nelson and Spurlock can examine scientific testimony rather than relying solely on the government’s interpretation. Their combined experience supports a firm culture centered on preparation, precision and accountability.
Courtroom credentials are only part of the firm’s approach to legal representation. Tad Nelson & Associates believes that clients deserve guidance and personal support throughout the entire legal process. Every new employee, including attorneys and administrative professionals, is
required to read Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. This requirement reinforces the principle that clients are not simply paying for an outcome. They are trusting the firm to help them through one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
The firm has also invested in artificial intelligence and modern case management technology to improve communication and organize information. These tools help provide faster updates and a more understandable client experience without replacing professional judgment or direct attorney involvement. The firm also maintains an active digital presence through its website, blog and social media profiles. Its goal is to provide clients and the public with accessible information about legal procedures, firm activities and available services.
Office Manager Shelly Darnell helps ensure that every client, case and deadline receives proper attention. A Galveston native raised in a family with strong connections to law enforcement, she began her legal career while attending Ball High School. As an eleventh grade student, Darnell entered the school’s Vocational Office Education program. By her senior year, she was working part time at UTMB. Shortly before graduating in 1984, her instructor, Ms. Borsellino, recommended her for a position at Dibrell and Dibrell.
Darnell remained with Dibrell and Dibrell until 1995, when Trey Dibrell was elected judge of County Court at Law Number 2. She followed him to the court and served as Court Coordinator until 2006. Darnell then brought more than two decades of legal and court experience to Tad Nelson & Associates. She now has more than 40 years of experience in the Galveston legal community. Her leadership helps the attorneys remain focused on legal preparation, strategy and client advocacy.
Tad Nelson & Associates handles felonies, misdemeanors, drug offenses, sex crimes, federal charges and DWI defense. The firm also represents people accused of assault and violent crimes. Its civil practice includes family law, divorce and child custody as well as personal injury representation. Regardless of the matter, the firm approaches each client with the same commitment to preparation, communication and personal service.
The Texas Judicial Branch provides public information about the different courts that handle criminal, family and civil matters in Texas. Clients can also find local court contacts, filing information and records resources through the official Galveston County website. Nelson’s professional affiliations have included leading criminal defense, DWI defense, trial lawyer and local bar organizations. These memberships support continuing education and engagement with developments in Texas law, forensic science and courtroom strategy.
Tad Nelson & Associates serves clients from offices in League City and Galveston, Texas. The firm remains guided by the same principles that shaped its founding in 1995. Its attorneys prepare thoroughly, communicate clearly and refuse to treat clients as case numbers. To learn more about the firm or arrange an initial consultation, call (281) 962 7626. Additional information is available at www.tadlaw.com.