Born in Harlingen, Texas, Gustavo A. Grajales is known for continuously demonstrating a strong work ethic and sense of determination, which are values he learned from his parents. Choosing to follow in the footsteps of his family members, Gustavo completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas-Pan American and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on the Cold War. A proud alumnus of the Michigan State University College of Law, Gustavo earned his Juris Doctor with High Honors while he competed with the law school’s trial competition team, served as a teaching assistant in legal ethics, and won his first jury trial as a licensed student practitioner during his internship with the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office.

Due to his roots in South Texas, Gustavo moved back to the Rio Grande Valley from Michigan to serve as an Assistant District Attorney with the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office. During his tenure as an Assistant District Attorney, Gustavo successfully argued criminal jury trials before the justice of the peace, county, and district courts of Cameron County and submitted briefs and writs to the 13th Court of Appeals and Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Upon leaving public service, Gustavo continued his professional development by becoming an associate with prominent local plaintiffs’ and defense firms as well as practicing as a solo practitioner. During this time, Gustavo’s legal experience afforded him opportunities to focus and develop his practice on civil trial and appellate litigation.

Notably, on October 27, 2022, Gustavo and a colleague presented oral arguments in Rattray v. City of Brownsville before the Supreme Court of Texas. The case concerned the Texas Tort Claims Act and a municipality’s plea to the jurisdiction, which sought to dismiss the property damage claims of several homeowners following the municipality’s closure of a flood gate during a rainstorm. On March 10, 2023, the Supreme Court of Texas issued a unanimous opinion in favor of Gustavo and his colleague’s clients: the Court’s opinion clarified the Texas Tort Claims Act’s language concerning the operation of motor driven equipment, how damage may “arise from” an incident, and the pleading requirements for a party to  sufficiently plead waiver of governmental immunity. Since arguing Rattray v. City of Brownsville, Gustavo’s legal practice is developing a focus area for working upon civil trial and appellate litigation cases which have unique, complex, and research-intensive issues.

When Gustavo is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, cheering for his Michigan State Spartans, and assembling and painting Warhammer 40K models.