RGVEPC September Meeting: Analyzing the Past, Shaping the Future: A Data-Driven Approach to Probate Litigation.
Mixer: 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Dinner/Live Presentation: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Catered by: CoffeeZone
RSVPs by 5:00 pm, September 5
James W. Carter, Partner
Sarah Maldonado, Partner
Jimmy Carter and Sarah Maldonado, partners at JW Carter Law in San Antonio, are distinguished trial attorneys specializing in probate and trust litigation. Jimmy, a board-certified civil trial lawyer, holds a J.D. from Baylor University School of Law and a B.A., summa cum laude, from Texas Tech University. With decades of trial experience, he has also achieved notable appellate successes. Recognized with the 2016 Outstanding Lawyer Award from the San Antonio Business Journal and the 2017 Peacemaker Award for his work on Texas’ anti-bullying legislation known as David’s Law, he is a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and President-Elect of the American Board of Trial Advocates San Antonio chapter. An active speaker and author, he advises on trust and estate matters and serves as a director for TransPecos Bank. Outside the courtroom, Jimmy enjoys oil painting and piloting a Cirrus SR-20.
Sarah, honored with the 2025 San Antonio Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” Award, earned her J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law and a B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin. Leading the firm’s appellate practice, she has successfully litigated hundreds of cases statewide, leveraging her deep understanding of Texas probate law. Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering as a Community Educator with the Alzheimer’s Association’s San Antonio and South Texas Chapter.
Together, Jimmy and Sarah conducted a three-year research project analyzing thousands of Texas probate cases from the 1800s onward, creating a database that identifies key variables to predict outcomes and uncover opportunities in estate and probate litigation. They are here today to share more details about their data project and present some of their unique findings.
