Alicia “Ali” Perez is a Texas attorney, community advocate, mother of four, and candidate for Judge of Bexar County Court at Law 13.
For nearly twenty years, Alicia has served San Antonio in roles across the justice system — as an immigration lawyer, public defender, prosecutor, family violence attorney, and community organizer.
Ali is running for judge because she believes every courtroom should follow three core principles:
Judicial Approach
Ali’s judicial philosophy is grounded in three principles:
- Process over personality — Justice should never depend on power dynamics or personal style, but on neutral rules applied evenly.
- Consistency and efficiency — Clear procedures and timely hearings serve both fairness and public confidence.
- Respect for all parties — A calm, well-managed courtroom allows victims, defendants, attorneys, and families to be heard and understood.
A judge’s role is not to promise outcomes or advance personal views. It is to apply the law as written, safeguard due process, and manage the courtroom in a way that is predictable, fair, and humane.
Professional Experience
Ali earned her law degree from CUNY School of Law and was admitted to the Texas Bar in 2007. She began her legal career at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, representing survivors of domestic violence in protective order and child custody cases, including matters involving international family reunification.
In 2011, while working with the HIV Law Project in New York City, Ali passed the New York Bar and advocated for housing stability, confidentiality, and immigration protections for members of the HIV-positive community.
Since 2013, Ali has operated her own law practice in Texas, focusing on immigration and criminal defense. That work required navigating high-stakes cases involving liberty, family unity, and public safety — and reinforced the importance of clear judicial procedures and careful courtroom management.
In 2023, after more than a decade running her own practice while raising her family, Ali returned to full-time public service. She served both as a prosecutor with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and as a public defender with the Bexar County Public Defender’s Office, gaining firsthand experience on both sides of the courtroom. That perspective deepened her understanding of how each role serves the public — and how judicial leadership shapes whether the system functions fairly and efficiently.
Background and Skills
Ali graduated in three years from Goshen College, a liberal arts college where she trained in conflict mediation and anti-bias practices. She attended college on academic and service-based scholarships. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and is a certified professional coach.
Throughout her career, Ali has been known for her steady temperament, clear communication, and respect for the roles of all courtroom participants. She believes judicial authority is strongest when exercised with restraint, clarity, and consistency.
As judge, Ali will honor the work of both prosecution and defense, foster a calm and orderly courtroom, and protect the legal process so that justice is fair, timely, and trusted by the community.
