Today we’d like to introduce you to Jules Johnson.
Hi Jules, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My parents moved to Houston just before I was born. I have grown up in and lived in Houston my entire life. I got my undergraduate degree from Texas Southern University, and went on to get my Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University as well.
While growing up, I determined earlier on that I wanted to be an attorney. At the time, it was corporate law that had my interest. Little did I know, that many years later, my real path would be found.
I went through undergrad and studied Business Management; I figured, in order to be an effective corporate lawyer, I should know how business operates. It wasn’t until I got to law school, and took a class, Trial Simulation, that I realized my calling was squarely in the courtroom. While corporate lawyers CAN also be in the courtroom, it is traditionally not as often. At that point, I realized the practice area didn’t matter much to me as long as I was in trial.
In 2004, I got my chance. After completing law school, I accepted a job in the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office. I was practicing criminal law, but more importantly, I was representing the State of Texas in criminal proceedings. It was exactly what I wanted. I spent several years there honing my skills as a trial advocate.
In early 2008, I started The Jules Johnson Law Firm, PLLC, where I continued to practice primarily criminal law, although I did do some corporate work as well. However, I had an opportunity that I was unable to pass up, and in 2012, I accepted a position as one of the inaugural members of the Felony Trial Bureau of the Harris County Public Defenders Office. During the time in both private practice, and as a County Public Defender, I was able to work on some monumental cases.
Upon leaving the Harris County Public Defender, I went to the Federal Public Defender and then left for my current office, the Harris County District Attorney’s office, where I climbed the ranks and I am currently the Division Chief of the Civil Rights Division. The Civil Rights Division is the division that reviews allegations of excessive force by law enforcement. In today’s volatile climate, our elected District Attorney Kim Ogg, believes that a fair and complete review process is necessary to instill both trust and a sense of safety to the citizens of Harris County.
Dealing with life and liberty can be stressful. In 2012, I discovered a way to decompress. I found mixed martial arts—muay Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to be exact. I began training at Metro Fight Club, which was run by the late Saul Soliz, a legendary UFC trainer. The skills I learned, and the exercise was much needed. In 2015, I moved gyms and began to focus solely on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I began training with Black Belt World Champion Pablo Silva. Under Pablo’s tutelage, I secured a Master’s World Championship, an American National Championship as well as numerous gold medals around the nation. I also, in December of 2021, after over 9 years of consistent training, was promoted to Black Belt—all while being a full time attorney, son, brother, husband and father. I plan to continue the journey because one of my goals is to become a Black Belt World Champion.
Last, but not least, as a Gen X’r, I grew up on video games. Currently, as time permits, I stream gameplay on Twitch. I guess in all my growing up, I never actually grew up! Again, gaming is just another outlet for me to relax because my daily job duties can be STRESSFUL.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are infinite obstacles that I had to endure. I had to endure racism, very much so. I have been called racial slurs while walking the street. I have had people see me outside of work and say, “I look like a Defendant.” I have been racially profiled by police, but at the end of the day, I persisted in my goals, and will continue to persist, until I have accomplished everything that I set my sights on.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Houston was a hugely diverse population which is amazing. All the cultures provide a variety of new experiences, and because I love to eat, new flavors! Dislikes…about Houston…well…I’m a car guy. I like nice rims, BUT OUR STREETS ARE TERRIBLE!!!! I’m laughing but let’s smooth these streets out!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jiujiteirojd
- Other: Twitch.tv/BlafaBJJ
