Gloria Yates Early embarked on her journey to legal expertise with a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas, Austin campus, graduating in January of 1974. Her commitment to legal studies continued as she pursued a certificate in Lawyer's Assistant Studies from Southwest Texas State University, now known as Texas State University, in 1988. Ms. Early's dedication and competence led her to become a certified legal assistant, accredited by the National Association of Legal Assistants.
In 1999, Gloria Early achieved another significant milestone in her educational journey, graduating from OCU Law School in Oklahoma City with a Juris Doctorate in law. Following this accomplishment, she successfully passed the Texas State Bar exam, a pivotal moment that allowed her to open her law office doors in San Antonio, Texas later that same year.
Throughout her pursuit of education, Ms. Early gained invaluable real-world experience. She worked at Southwestern Bell Telephone in various roles, including Outside Plant Supervisor in New Braunfels, Texas, Chief Assigner Austin, North at the North Loop Office in Austin, Texas, and as a Staff Antitrust Specialist at the Headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri within the legal department between 1973 and 1983. During her tenure in the Legal Department, Gloria Early collaborated with the General Counsel of Southwestern Bell and Mark Garlinghouse, Corporate Counsel of AT&T, on a Department of Justice case presided over by Judge Greenhill, as well as other corporate lawsuits. This Department of Justice case was one of the most significant antitrust suits in the country, leading to the division of operating companies from the parent company, AT&T. The cases found their place in the Federal Legal Reporter system in 1984 and 1986-1988. Subsequently, Ms. Early continued to work as a Legal Assistant for several Austin law firms.
Gloria Early has showcased her legal skills in various areas. Her practice includes the representation of clients in serious criminal cases, ranging from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. Her extensive experience includes litigating felony trials before a jury, demonstrating her profound understanding of the law and her ability to advocate effectively.
In her capacity as a civil attorney, Ms. Early has consistently handled divorces, adoptions, and other family lawsuit cases, including cases involving the removal of disabilities for minors. Additionally, Gloria Early has served as an experienced ad litem, representing parents who are under investigation by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, further expanding her knowledge in these matters.
In the realm of real estate law, Ms. Early has prepared deeds related to divorce, probate, and intestate work (Estate Deeds). She has also addressed eviction and landlord-tenant matters. While Gloria Early does handle foreclosures, she collaborates with a federal attorney if the case is removed to federal court. She has prepared leases for numerous clients.
Ms. Early is skilled in probating estates and handling intestate administrations (cases in which individuals passed away without a will). She has also managed contested guardianships. In complex cases, when the level of difficulty and the involvement of multiple parties and attorneys on the other side necessitate it, Gloria Early associates with an Of Counsel. She aims to ensure her clients have adequate coverage and representation in cases with a high level of complexity.
