Born and raised in Harlingen, Texas, Clarissa Silva graduated from Harlingen High School Class of 2000. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Texas at San Antonio where she interned at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Minors in Legal Studies and Political Science. The experience left her wanting to further her education and pursue her passion for the legal system by attending law school. In 2004, she enrolled at Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston where she interned at the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office and then graduated in 2007. Becoming licensed to practice law in 2008 offered her the opportunity to continue the work she found most motivating at a county level practicing both civil and criminal law.
In 2008, she was hired by the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney. Assigned to the juvenile division, she prosecuted hundreds of cases ranging from Class B misdemeanors to capital felony. In addition, she handled cases involving abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the disabled and elderly through Adult Protective Services. For her hard work and dedication, she was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Coalition for Crime Victim’s Rights in 2011.
That same year, she decided to expand her knowledge and experience in the law and began representing children in the foster care system as an attorney ad litem. Her passion for serving children was honored by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Coastal Bend by being named Attorney ad Litem of the Year. The experience drove her to also become a board member of Corpus Christi’s Commission on Children and Youth where she served on the board for over five years. Her commitment to justice for children and youth caused her to advance her career even further and in 2015 she became board certified in juvenile law. After eight years with the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office, she was hired by the San Patricio County Attorney’s Office as an Assistant County Attorney in 2017 where she remains in 2020.
In summary, with a committed career in law and public service of over 12 years, Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a member of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association since 2009, a member of the Texas Bar College, a lecturer for Texas Continuing Legal Education, and a passion for her community, Clarissa Silva asks for your support and vote in the upcoming election for the position of Justice on the 13th Court of Appeals – Place 6.
Vote! Vote! Vote! 