Slater Elza

Slater Elza is a highly accomplished attorney known for his practical approach to problem-solving and client advocacy. Over the course of his career, he has tried more than 150 matters to verdict in both federal and state courts, as well as in arbitration. His experience spans multiple states, handling complex litigation for businesses, governmental entities, healthcare providers, and insurance companies across Texas and beyond.

Slater earned his B.S. with honors from Texas Tech University in 1993 and went on to receive his J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1997. This strong academic foundation equipped him with both analytical and advocacy skills that continue to guide his practice. He is admitted to the State Bar of Texas, the State Bar of Oklahoma, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas.

Slater’s practice focuses on litigation, municipal, employment, and healthcare law. His ability to adapt his strategy to each client’s unique needs has earned him a reputation for providing creative, results-driven representation. He regularly handles medical malpractice defense, administrative matters, and complex disputes involving municipalities and corporations. His commitment to teamwork and collaboration ensures every case benefits from the best available legal insight.

Slater Elza continues to share his expertise through frequent presentations on litigation strategy, municipal law, and professional ethics, reflecting his dedication to advancing the legal profession and supporting communities across Texas. Slater has been widely recognized for his professional contributions, including selection to Texas Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters for 2024–2025. He has held key leadership positions such as Past President of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel, President of the Texas City Attorneys Association, and Texas State Representative for the Defense Research Institute (DRI). His involvement also includes memberships in the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA), International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), and the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC).

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Underwood Law Firm
• Member, State Bar of Texas, Litigation Council
• Member, State Bar of Oklahoma
• Member, Amarillo Bar Association
• Executive Vice President, Texas City Attorney’s Association, 2023
• Past President, Texas Association of Defense Counsel
• Texas State Representative, Defense Research Institute (DRI), 2021-2023
• Member, International Association of Defense Counsel
• Member, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel
• Member, Association of Defense Trial Attorneys
• Associate Member, Texas Municipal League
• Chairman, Texas Supreme Court, Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee Sub-Committee, 2012-2015

Licensed State

• Texas
• Oklahoma

Education

• Texas Tech University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Texas Tech University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges