Karen E. Gross

Of Counsel | Clemency and Pardon Specialist

Karen E. Gross is Of Counsel to Carmichael Ellis & Brock and focuses her practice on clemency, pardons, and helping individuals navigate opportunities for relief after involvement with the criminal justice system.

Karen E. Gross

“I am your advocate for second chances."

Karen's experience is grounded in her commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and second chances.


Karen understands that the consequences of a criminal conviction can extend long after a sentence has been completed, affecting an individual's career, reputation, family, and future.

Experience

Before joining Carmichael Ellis & Brock, Karen developed a criminal defense practice in Austin, Texas, where she represented individuals seeking clemency and other forms of post-conviction relief. Her work representing individuals seeking clemency from President Obama remains among the most meaningful experiences of her career.


Karen's commitment to criminal justice and restorative justice was shaped through her work in the nonprofit and community sectors. She served as Community Director for the Austin Anti-Defamation League, where she oversaw the strategic growth and development of the office, including the launch and implementation of the Austin/Travis County Hate Crimes Taskforce.


Through this work, Karen encountered individuals who had experienced inequities within the criminal justice system and developed a strong interest in restorative justice for both victims and offenders. Those experiences ultimately inspired her to establish her criminal defense practice and focus on helping individuals pursue meaningful opportunities for relief and a second chance.

EDUCATION& ADMISSION

  • J.D.  University of Houston Law Center, 2009
  • B.A. University of Texas at Austin, 2001
  • Washington Semester Program American University, 2000


Admissions

  • Texas, 2009

EXPERIENCE

  • Clemency and pardon advocate
  • Criminal defense
  • Post-conviction relief
  • Restorative justice
  • Former Community Director, Austin Anti-Defamation League
  • Helped launch the Austin/Travis County Hate Crimes Taskforce
  • Commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and second chances

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

  • Texas Super Lawyers 2016
  • Texas Super Lawyers 2017
  • Texas Super Lawyers 2018
Karen E. Gross Reviews

Working with Karen Gross with Carmichael Ellis & Brock was delightful. I hired her to help me petition for a pardon. She is professional, she got things done in a timely manner, and she is real easy to work with. Karen explained everything to me and kept me updated on new information. Highly recommended pardon attorney!”