Dennis Hester

Dennis is an of counsel attorney at the Tabakman Law Firm. He is a dedicated appellate and post-conviction attorney with a record of achieving relief for individuals convicted of serious crimes. His practice is focused on criminal appeals and writs of habeas corpus in both state and federal court. He has helped clients win full reversals of federal sentences and vacate convictions entirely—greatly reducing the consequences of criminal judgments on their liberty and future.

With more than a decade of high-level criminal defense experience, Dennis combines deep legal knowledge and strategic insight. He regularly partners with trial attorneys to identify and preserve issues for appeal. His ability to analyze records and craft arguments makes him a trusted resource for clients and colleagues alike.

Dennis began his legal career as a briefing attorney to United States District Judge Robert A. Junell, where he assisted with over 40 jury trials and drafted rulings in civil and criminal cases ranging from complex commercial disputes to constitutional criminal procedure.

He went on to spend nine years at a Houston-based federal criminal defense law firm, handling high-profile matters and building a reputation for impactful written advocacy. His work contributed to major sentencing reductions, appellate wins, and the successful litigation of pretrial motions. He also served as second chair in multiple complex state and federal trials.

In 2019, Dennis became an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Houston. As lead counsel for hundreds of federal defendants, he secured outstanding results, including case dismissals, acquittals at trial, and sentencing outcomes significantly below the advisory guidelines. His time in this role sharpened both his courtroom presence and his commitment to justice.

Since 2023, Dennis has focused exclusively on appellate and post-conviction work. Now based in London, he continues to represent clients across Texas and in federal courts. He regularly argues before the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and has secured full reversals of criminal sentences. He also teaches courses in criminal law, legal writing, and professional ethics at the University of Law in Bloomsbury, London.

Dennis is a 2008 honors graduate of Loyola University College of Law in New Orleans, where he was a member of Law Review. He is licensed to practice in Texas, New York, and multiple federal jurisdictions.

He maintains close ties to Houston and regularly returns to meet with clients and appear in court.