Brent Chapell

Mr. Chapell brings more than a decade of litigation experience to The Akers Firm, with a practice focused on appeals, post-conviction matters, and legal writing. He has represented both the State of Texas and the United States in more than 280 criminal appeals and habeas proceedings, and has presented more than a dozen oral arguments before state and federal appellate courts.

Mr. Chapell served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Appellate Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, where he handled federal criminal appeals and habeas matters before the Fifth Circuit. Earlier, he served as Chief of the Appellate Division and in the Legal Services Bureau at the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, representing the State in criminal appeals, writs of habeas corpus, and various General Counsel matters. He also led the Public Integrity Division at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, leading a team responsible for complex public corruption, police misconduct, and election crime matters. His experience includes trial work and service as a briefing attorney at the Eleventh Court of Appeals of Texas, where he researched and analyzed civil and criminal issues and drafted judicial opinions. Mr. Chapell is Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law—a distinction held by fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys.

Appellate litigation depends on careful research, sound judgment, and clear, persuasive writing. Mr. Chapell’s experience spans the full life of a case—from trial strategy informed by appellate considerations to briefing and post-conviction review. At The Akers Firm, he focuses on developing strong written arguments and helping clients and counsel navigate complex appellate issues.

Mr. Chapell earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Texas A&M University School of Law. While in law school, he served on Law Review, was a Moot Court champion, and earned membership in the National Order of Barristers and the National Order of Scribes. He earned his bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from Texas A&M University.