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Makenzie K. Zarate
also known as Makenzie Keene
About Makenzie
Biography
Makenzie graduated cum laude from Texas Tech University School of Law in May 2019. She was selected to participate in the Criminal Defense Clinic during her final year of law school where she represented more than two dozen indigent clients on various criminal cases. She received the "Top Grade Award" for her work there. Makenzie was also selected for membership in the Texas Tech Law Review after completing a writing competition for which she won the Darby Dickerson Top Writing Award. This award is reserved for the student who receives the competition's top-score. She was one of eight students selected for publication in Vol. 51 for her criminal law article entitled Bullies Behind Bars: How Changes to Statewide Cyberbullying Policy May Do More Harm Than Good.
Makenzie has been recognized for her work in indigent defense. In addition to serving on the Pro Bono Board, she received the Brendan Murray Criminal Defense Public Service Award, the Elma Moreno Graduating Student of the Year Award, the Judge Ken G. Spencer Award, and earned membership in the Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas three years in a row. She has completed the NHTSA training in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing.
Makenzie is a member of:
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
Dallas Women Lawyers Association
DUI Defense Lawyers Association
Makenzie spent her early years in Red Oak, Texas, and later moved to Dallas, where she graduated from Bishop Lynch High School. She went on to study at Texas Tech University, where she received a Communications degree with minors in both Legal Studies and Spanish.
In her free time, Makenzie enjoys riding her Harley, hanging out with her three dachshunds, and camping with her family. She also practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and trains for competitions regularly.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 6 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2019
No misconduct found
Location
Griffith & Associates
108 W. Main, Waxahachie, TX, 75165
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Makenzie K. Zarate's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
7 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Brennon | May 21, 2024 | DUI & DWI
DWI Defense
I've worked with Makenzie for a little over two years and have consulted with her on multiple DWI cases during that time. She's an incredible lawyer in the court room and her knowledge of breath and blood science is second to none. I refer all of my clients in the DFW metroplex to her without hesitat...
Posted by Beau | February 27, 2024 | DUI & DWI
If you need a trial lawyer, contact Makenzie
Makenzie has extensive training that very few, if any, attorneys in her geographical area can match. Her results speak for themselves- if you need assertive and knowledgeable assistance with a DWI case, Makenzie is the right attorney for the job.
Posted by Clint | September 27, 2023 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Verdict: Not Guilty!!!
I can't thank her enough for her exceptional legal representation in my DWI case. Throughout the entire legal process, she explained each step clearly, kept me informed, and ensured I felt comfortable and confident in her abilities. When it came to trial, her courtroom presence and actions were un...
Makenzie K. Zarate's Lawyer Endorsements
"I worked with Makenzie when she was an intern and a new lawyer. She is one of the brightest young attorneys I have met. Her passion for the job and care for her clients is incredible."
"I've tried several DWI cases with Makenzie and her preparation and understanding of DWIs and the science behind breath and blood tests is phenonmenal. Highly recommend her."
"Makenzie demonstrates exemplary proficiency as an attorney, particularly in the specialized field of intoxication offenses, underpinned by her extensive education and accreditation as a lawyer-scientist. Her courtroom demeanor reflects both fearlessness and a steadfast commitment to vigorous advocacy on behalf of her clientele."
"Makenzie is an incredibly skilled attorney. She's one of the best I've ever seen in the court room!"
"Makenzie Zarate is a bad ass lawyer who is no nonsense in the courtroom. If I needed a lawyer to defend me for a DWI, I would be in good hands with Makenzie. She knows her stuff and can rattle off DWI concepts with her eyes closed. Don't walk, run to hire Makenzie as your lawyer."
"Makenzie is a methodical and unshakeable attorney. A true advocate for each of her clients, she fights every step of the way through the legal process. Her ability to pursue the strongest defense for her client and effectiveness at trial mark her as extraordinary. I fully endorse this attorney."
"Makenzie is the kind of smart, tough lawyer you want when you find yourself facing criminal charges."
"Makenzie Zarate is a ferocious trial attorney. The majority of the cases I've tried have been with her, and I learn new things from her every time. She is a whiz at the Texas Rules of Evidence, and she is one of the best issue spotters I have ever seen. It's been a true privilege to get to work with Makenzie, and I would recommend any of my family or friends to her if they needed help."
"I endorse this lawyer. Makenzie is a fantastic attorney. Not only is she incredible in the courtroom, she always makes her clients feel heard and understood. I highly recommend Makenzie."
"She is a very clever attorney. We worked together on a few of her cases and she was very bright in finding clever solutions to "impossible" cases. I look forward to working with her again."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Texas Rising Star Award, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2024
Certificate of Completion: Overview of the DRE Program, Tony Corroto and Lance A. Platt, Ph.D
2023
Cert. of Completion: The Science of DUID XI, Axion Analytical Laboratories
2023
Cert. of Completion: Forensic Drug Analysis XIII, Axion Analytical Laboratories
2023
Cert. of Completion: Forensic Chromatography Theory & Practice, Axion Analytical Laboratories
2023
Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation, American Chemical Society - CHAL
2022
Cert. of Completion: Forensic Chromatography Theory & Practice, Axion Analytical Laboratories
2020
Certificate of Completion: NHTSA/IACP SFST Practitioner Course, Lance A. Platt, Ph.D
2019
Elma Moreno Graduating Pro Bono Student of the Year, Texas Tech University School of Law
2019
Judge Ken G. Spencer Award, Texas Tech University School of Law
2019
Pro Bono Achievement Award, Texas Tech University School of Law
2019
Excellence in Legal Research, Texas Tech University School of Law
2019
Top Grade Award, Texas Tech Criminal Defense Clinic
2018
Dean Darby Dickerson Top Writing Award, Texas Tech University School of Law
2018
Fellow, Academy for Leadership in the Legal Profession
2018
Pro Bono College, State Bar of Texas
2018
Brendan B. Murray Public Service Award, Texas Tech University School of Law
2017
Outstanding Oralist - Advanced Mock Trial, Texas Tech School of Law Board of Barristers
2017
Society of Scholars, Phi Alpha Delta
2017
Pro Bono College, State Bar of Texas
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Attorney, Griffith & Associates
2020 - 2025
Attorney, Deandra Grant Law
2019 - 2020
Attorney, Griffith & Associates
2018 - 2019
Legal Intern, Griffith & Associates
2013 - 2018
Law Clerk, Law Office of Laurie Key
Associations
2025 - Present
American Inns of CourtNorth Texas State Criminal Law Inn of Court - Member
2025 - Present
Texas Bar CollegeMember
2023 - Present
Ellis County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2023 - Present
American Chemical SocietyMember
2022 - Present
Dallas Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2020 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2020 - Present
Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationBoard Member
2018 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2020 - 2025
Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2020 - 2025
Dallas Association of Young LawyersMember
2020 - 2025
Dallas Women Lawyers AssociationMember
2016 - 2019
Texas Tech School of Law Criminal Law AssociationMember
2016 - 2020
Phi Alpha Delta Law FraternityBoard Member, Officer
Sample of Legal Cases
Not Guilty - Ellis County
Not Guilty
Jury Trial - 3/3/25
Not guilty!
Jury Trial 2-6-25
Not Guilty
Case Dismissed Before Trial!
Case Dismissed!
Jury Trial 3-6-24
15-minute "Not Guilty" verdict!
Directed Verdict of Not Guilty
Directed Verdict of Not Guilty
Jury Trial 11-9-2023
Not Guilty
Denton County Hung Jury
Hung Jury
Ellis County Not Guilty!
Not Guilty
Jury Trial 5-2-2023
Not Guilty
Jury Trial 4-13-23
Not Guilty
Assault Jury Trial 3-21-22
Dismissed at Trial
Jury Trial 2-8-23
Not Guilty
Jury Trial 1-18-23
Not Guilty
Jury Trial 9-28-22
Not Guilty
Jury Trial 7-28-22
Not Guilty
Jury Trial 6-30-22
Dismissed at Trial
Assault Dismissed!
Dismissed
Jury Trial 4-11-22
Not Guilty
DWI Dismissed!
Dismissed
Jury Trial 3-22-22
Not Guilty
Motion to Suppress Granted!
Evidence suppressed!
Education
2019
Texas Tech University
Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)
2015
Texas Tech University
Speaking Engagements
2025
Dog Days of Summer CLE
Labs Uncensored: DPS and SWIFS
2024
Presenting and Confronting Experts in Trial
Using and Abusing Experts
2024
2024
Dog Days of Summer Advanced Criminal Law CLE
Overview of Drug Recognition Evaluation Program + NJ Supreme Court
2024
2024 DUIDLA Fall Seminar
Foreign Language Class: DWI Lingo to Know
2023
DWI Defense Project 2023
Cross-Examination of the State's Toxicology Expert with Reference to Area-Specific Labs
2023
Advanced OVI/DUI Seminar
Blood Test Discovery: What to ask for, what to look for, and how to use it
2022
Texas Tech School of Law Criminal Law Association Lunch Speaker Series
DWI and Trial Work as a Young Attorney
Publications
2024
Dallas Bar Association Headnotes
DWI? 10 Things to Know
2024
Attorney at Law Magazine
Steering Clear When Pulled Over for a DWI
2019
Texas Tech Law Review
Bullies Behind Bars: How Changes to Statewide Cyberbullying Policy May Do More Harm Than Good
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
If it’s been 10 years since my 3rd dwi conviction will I go to prison for my fourth ?
19 May 2024
Q&A
Can I get the interlock device taken off my car since I’ve had it 4 yrs for a public intox. (Never had a DUI /DWI)
20 May 2024
Q&A
Dwi?
21 Nov 2022