Award Recognition Highlights Firm’s Unmatched Record of Board Certification, Forensic Science Expertise, and Over Three Decades of Service to Galveston County
GALVESTON & LEAGUE CITY, TEXAS — Tad Nelson & Associates, one of Galveston County’s most decorated and scientifically distinguished criminal defense and civil law firms, has been nominated for Best Law Firm in Galveston County. The nomination, announced in July 2026, recognizes the firm’s exceptional legal representation, community dedication, and a credential profile unmatched anywhere in the region.
“Being nominated for Best Law Firm in Galveston County is an honor that belongs to every client who trusted us with their case, every staff member who showed up every single day, and to this community that has supported us for more than 30 years,” said Tad Nelson, Founder and Senior Trial Counsel. “For three decades, our clients have been our greatest responsibility and our greatest motivation. We have never stopped pushing ourselves, in the courtroom, in the lab, and in the law, because they deserve nothing less. To be recognized for that commitment by our own community is truly humbling.”
ABOUT TAD NELSON & ASSOCIATES
Founded in 1995 by Tad Nelson following three years as a felony prosecutor in the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office under District Attorney Mike Guarino, Tad Nelson & Associates has grown into one of the Gulf Coast’s most recognized law firms. Mr. Nelson tried 39 jury cases as a prosecutor — with only a single loss — before crossing to the defense bar and going on to try more than 400 jury cases. Then as if that wasn’t impressive enough, between late 1998 and early 2000, he achieved an unprecedented 18 consecutive ‘not guilty’ verdicts in high-stakes felony cases, a run that still get brought up in Galveston legal circles.
Today the firm serves clients across Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury, with offices in Galveston and Houston. The team combines aggressive courtroom advocacy with a scientific rigor found in virtually no other Texas firm — a direct result of leadership that holds advanced scientific credentials alongside law licenses.
FIRM CREDENTIALS & DISTINCTIONS
► Texas Board Certification in Criminal Law — 30 Years
Tad Nelson was Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in 1996 — making 2026 his 30th consecutive year holding this distinction. Fewer than 3% of Texas attorneys achieve Board Certification. It requires peer recognition, rigorous written examination, and ongoing continuing legal education, and it must be renewed every five years. Mr. Nelson has maintained his certification uninterrupted for three full decades.
► Texas Super Lawyers® — Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock
Both Tad Nelson and Managing Partner Amber Spurlock have been recognized as Texas Super Lawyers®. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selection is limited to the top 5% of attorneys in each state, making this one of the legal profession’s most respected peer-review honors.
► ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientists — American Chemical Society
Tad Nelson and Amber Spurlock both hold the distinguished ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation, conferred by the American Chemical Society’s Chemistry and the Law (CHAL) Division. Mr. Nelson received the designation in 2014 following intensive training in forensic science at the national ACS training program in Chicago. This credential — held by a small number of lawyers nationwide — certifies mastery of forensic chemistry and the scientific methodology underlying blood-alcohol testing, toxicology, and crime laboratory procedures, giving the firm a powerful scientific-based lens when challenging forensic evidence in criminal cases.
► M.S. in Forensic Toxicology — University of Florida (2016)
Tad Nelson earned a Master of Science in Forensic Toxicology from the University of Florida in 2016 — the first criminal defense attorney in the Galveston/Houston area to hold this graduate science degree. This credential directly informs his approach to DWI, drug, and scientifically complex criminal cases, allowing him to challenge forensic evidence at the deepest technical level.
► Managing Partner Amber Spurlock — ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist & Former USAF JAG Officer
Amber Spurlock serves as Managing Partner and brings an extraordinary depth of experience to the firm. An ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist in her own right, she also served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the United States Air Force, including a deployment to Baghdad. Her military legal training, forensic science credentials, and trial experience across criminal and family law matters make her one of the most uniquely qualified attorneys on the Gulf Coast.
► Licensed in Texas Since 1991 — 35+ Years of Legal Service
Tad Nelson was licensed to practice law in Texas in 1991 and served as a felony prosecutor from 1992 to 1995 before founding the firm. With more than 400 jury trials to his credit and a record spanning 35 years, he remains one of the most experienced trial attorneys in Galveston County.
A COMMUNITY FIRM WITH A NATIONAL-LEVEL CREDENTIAL PROFILE
What sets Tad Nelson & Associates apart is not simply years of practice — it is the ongoing investment in scientific education, peer recognition, and specialized certification that few law firms anywhere in Texas can match. When Galveston County residents face criminal charges, family law crises, or personal injury claims, they deserve an advocate who brings not only legal expertise but scientific command to their corner. That is exactly what Tad Nelson & Associates delivers every day.
“Galveston is home. This is where Tad tried his first jury case, where we built this firm, and where we have fought for hundreds of clients,” said Amber Spurlock, Managing Partner. “Being recognized as a nominee for the best law firm in this county means everything to us.”
About Tad Nelson & Associates
Tad Nelson & Associates is a full-service law firm with offices in Galveston and Houston, Texas, practicing in Criminal Defense (state and federal), Family Law, and Personal Injury. Founded in 1995, the firm is led by Tad Nelson — Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist, Texas Super Lawyer, and forensic toxicologist — and Managing Partner Amber Spurlock — ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist, Texas Super Lawyer, and former USAF JAG officer. For more information, visit www.tadlaw.com or call (409) 765-5427.