Biography

11 August 2008

Juanita Jackson Barner was raised in Houston and a proud product of the Houston Independent School District.  She attended Grissom Elementary, Johnston Middle School and was an honor graduate of James Madison High School.  In 1988, she graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Criminal Justice.  While pursuing a master’s degree, she also began her career as a college administrator in student housing.  In 1992, she moved back to Houston as the Coordinator of Residential Life for the University of Houston.  

After a successful career in higher education, Juanita decided to pursue her dream and in 1994 she attended Thurgood Marshall School of Law.  While in law school, she was on the Board of Advocates, the National Mock Trial Team, and received highest academic recognition in  Case Analysis, Appellate Litigation, Trial Simulation, Law Practice Management and Advanced Trial Simulation.  After receiving her Juris Doctorate in 1997, Juanita worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas- Consumer Protection Division.  In 2000, she began a solo general law practice and in 2003, she founded The Barner Law Firm, eventually specializing exclusively in criminal defense.  One of her primary goals is to provide exceptional legal services at affordable prices.  Juanita proudly works hard every day to fight for justice in our criminal justice system.    

Attorney Barner is a former board member of the Houston Lawyers’ Association, and an active member of both the Harris County Criminal Lawyer’s Association and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. She is also a member of Houston Bar Association, a sustaining member of the Harris County Democratic Party and a contributor to the 2010 Harris County Judicial Candidate Coordinated Campaign.

Juanita lives in Southwest Houston and has two wonderful children.  Her son, CJ, attends her alma mater, Johnston Middle School where he plays the baritone saxophone and is a standout on the football team.  Her daughter, Taylor, also attended Johnston then graduated from the High School for Performing and Visual Arts.  She is currently a sophomore majoring in Music Business at New York University.

Juanita Barner and her children Taylor and CJ