Vanessa Simone

Vanessa Simone is an Austin attorney whose practice focuses on Texas child welfare law, particularly court-appointed child welfare, or CPS, cases in Travis County. She represents clients navigating matters that can be highly emotional and stressful, bringing a collaborative “we are in this together” philosophy to her work. Her approach combines strong, honest advocacy with the patience and steady guidance clients need during difficult family law proceedings.

Vanessa earned a Bachelor of Laws from La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, and an LL.M. from the University of Texas at Austin. Her legal education in both Australia and the United States gives her a broad academic foundation for evaluating sensitive legal issues. This training supports her ability to analyze complex child welfare matters, communicate clearly with clients, and provide practical advice throughout the court process.

Vanessa’s experience reflects a sustained commitment to serving vulnerable people in times of crisis. Vanessa interned with the Human Trafficking and Transnational/Organized Crime Division of the Texas Office of the Attorney General and worked as an intake associate at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. Since becoming licensed, she has also provided ongoing pro bono services to family law clients and has volunteered through Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas.

Vanessa Simone is admitted to the State Bar of Texas and participates in several professional organizations, including the State Bar of Texas, the National LGBT Bar Association, the Austin Bar Association, and the Texas Bar College. She received a 2021 Pro Bono Service Honoree recognition and the 2022 Susan P. Burton Pro Bono Award from Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas. Her leadership also includes service on the Court Appointed Family Attorney board, including chair-elect and chair roles.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Deitchle + Simone Law Firm PLLC
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Member, National LGBT Bar Association
• Member, Austin Bar Association
• Member, Texas Bar College

Licensed State

• Texas

Education

• University of Texas
  Master of Laws (LLM)
• La Trobe University
  Bachelor of Laws