ROBERT A. SCARDINO, JR.

A native Houstonian, Robert received his law degree from University of Houston. Robert's father was an attorney and later a Judge with whom Robert initially began his practice of law in 1972. He established his own practice in the mid-1970s and welcomed the challenge of defending the "impossible case", trying over 15 capital murder cases.

Robert is licensed to practice law in the state of Texas, as well as in the United States District Courts throughout the United States and the Fifth Circuit. Scardino & Fazel travel extensively in their representation of clients in the United States District Courts. Robert also served as Foreman of the Grand Jury for the 248th Judicial District.

After 33 years of practicing law in this arena, he remains enthusiastic in his commitment to defend citizens accused of crimes and in ensuring them a vigorous defense, with the highest regard of ethics advocated by both the Texas and Federal Bar.

During a broadcast of the television news magazine 48 Hours, CBS News referred to Robert Scardino as "One of Houston's top criminal defense lawyers". He was recognized as "Attorney of the Year" by the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association in 1999, sharing that distinction with Mike Ramsey, Dick DeGuerin, Dan Cogdell, Richard "Racehorse" Haynes, Paul Nugent and Mike DeGeurin.

He is a member of the Inns of Court and has acted as chairman of the South Texas College of Law “Learn From The Masters” seminar for the past several years.

ALI R. FAZEL

Ali was born in Iran and was educated in Spain, England and the United States. His family immigrated to Houston, Texas in 1981. Ali is multi-lingual; he is fluent in both Spanish and Farsi.

Ali received a BBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Houston in 1994. While attending the University of Houston, Ali amassed four years experience in the banking industry with J.P. Morgan Chase.

He attended South Texas College of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate in November 1999. Ali joined Robert A. Scardino as an associate in 2000. In January 2004 Robert A. Scardino and Ali R. Fazel created the partnership Scardino & Fazel.

Ali is licensed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, U.S. Federal District Courts for the Southern, Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas, as well as in the State of Texas. Ali actively practices in both state and federal courts, including the juvenile courts of Texas.

He is a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States, State Bar of Texas, State Bar of Texas Juvenile Division, The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, The Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the Houston Bar Association and The American Inns of Court.

Coupled with his formal education in finance, Ali’s involvement in the firm's federal "white collar" practice has been a particularly valued asset to both the firm and their clients.