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Filemon Vela was born in Harlingen and raised in Brownsville, Texas. Upon graduating from Georgetown University in 1985, Filemon attended the University of Texas School of Law and earned his juris doctorate in 1987.


For more than 20 years, Filemon practiced law in South Texas, helping countless individuals seek justice in state and federal courts across the country.  His legal practice focused on complex civil litigation.  As a trial attorney, Filemon successfully represented clients who were the victims of racial discrimination, consumers who had been severely injured by defective products, and employees injured during work.  Filemon is particularly proud of representing South Texas school districts and counties in construction defect cases.


The Vela family history is deeply entrenched in public service. His late father, the Honorable Filemon B. Vela, served as a United States District Judge for more than two decades in the Brownsville Division of the Southern District of Texas. His mother Blanca Vela was the first woman mayor of Brownsville.


For the past 22 years, Filemon has been married to his lovely and accomplished wife, Judge Rose Vela.  They reside in Brownsville.  Filemon is committed to carrying on the legacy of service his family began in South Texas and effectively representing the 34th District of Texas in Washington.