Monique Sparks

Monique Sparks, originally hailing from Wichita, Kansas, and raised in Missouri City, Texas, was recognized in her childhood for her outspoken nature and her willingness to stand up against authority abuse. Possessing a deep empathy for the underdog, she made an early commitment to pursue a career in law. After graduating in 1999 from Lawrence E. Elkins High School in Fort Bend County, Monique continued her education at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, earning a B.A. in Political Science. Subsequently, she enrolled at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, where she developed a profound connection with the Third Ward community and a passion for the study and practice of law. Accomplishments In 2008 Monique started The Sparks Law Firm. The plan was simple: to treat her clients as if they were her family and friends. She committed that The Sparks Law Firm would ensure that the accused would have a fighter and a friend when battling an unjust system. It did not take long for Monique’s practice to develop into a passion for the Constitution, fairness, and the disappearing invaluable art of the jury trial. To that end, she first attended the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in 2010. There, she hiked the beautiful mountains of Wyoming, studying the art of storytelling and client-centered representation. She continues to attend various trial institutes across the United States, sharpening her advocacy skills. She has let her passion for community lead her in many pro bono efforts. Monique served as lead counsel for a team of lawyers and experts defending against Harris County’s proposed Southlawn Gang Injunction—a lawsuit aimed to violate ninety-two Black men’s constitutional rights. More recently, Monique co-founded the Houston Protest Defense Team. The defense team represented some 800 protestors in the summer of 2020, and most of those cases were promptly dismissed. She also serves as co-chair of the Diversity, Justice, and Inclusion Committee of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Monique is also a board member of the Old Spanish Trail/Almeda Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ)—an organization focused on Third Ward redevelopment and revitalization. Her simple one-woman plan has since evolved into a tribe of women warriors. These women bring all their strengths to the table and provide a thorough legal defense with a holistic approach. The Sparks Law Firm is purposefully placed in the heart of Third Ward—a historic neighborhood built on resilience; it is the community in which Monique works and lives. Monique is a proud wife and mother who loves nature, exercise, and all things seafood! Education Bachelor Of Arts, Political Science, Dillard University Juris Doctor, Thurgood Marshall School of Law Bar/Court Admissions State Bar of Texas United States District Court Southern District of Texas Eastern District of Texas Western District of Texas Western District of Michigan United States Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit Affiliations The Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Associate National Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Houston Lawyers Association State Bar College of Texas