Catto, William H.

After graduating as valedictorian of Hereford High School Class of 1988, Adrian attended the University of Texas at Austin. He graduated with honors and received degrees in both physics and mathematics in 1993. He then enrolled at Washburn University in Topeka, KS to study law. While attending law school, Adrian worked part time at the Kansas Advisory Committee on Hispanic Affairs (currently named the Kansas Hispanic and Latino Affairs Commission) gathering and disseminating information on programs affecting the Hispanic community. During his final year of law school at Washburn, Adrian was employed as the research assistant for Professor J.W. Bayles. Adrian was also awarded the Kansas Bankers Association Trust Division Scholarship in 1996.

In 1996, Adrian graduated from Washburn and earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree with Dean's Honor as well as received a tax proficiency certification in recognition for completion of coursework emphasizing tax law.

The following year, Adrian enrolled at the University of Missouri – Kansas City to receive further education in tax law. During that year, Adrian was an extern each semester at two prestigious law firms in Kansas City, the law firms of Spencer, Fane, Britt, and Browne, L.L.P. and Blackwell Sanders, L.L.P. (which has subsequently merged to form Husch Blackwell Sanders, L.L.P.). Adrian graduated in 1997 and received a degree of Master of Tax Law (LL.M.).

Upon completion of his legal education, Adrian returned to his hometown of Hereford as an associate for the law firm of David Martinez. While most attorneys are sworn in during a mass ceremony in Austin, Texas, Adrian had the privilege of being sworn in his hometown before the local district judge, the Honorable David Wesley Gulley. Adrian was in private practice for approximately 18 months before being hired by the Potter County Attorney's Office.

During his one year stint at the County Attorney's Office, Adrian was selected to specialize in the prosecution of domestic violence. Adrian then moved to the 47th District Attorney's Office in December of 1999.

While at the District Attorney's Office, District Attorney Rebecca King sought to use Adrian's unique education and legal experience and established the White Collar Crime Unit to confront the growing field of white collar crime. During his tenure as the head of the White Collar Crime Unit, Adrian prosecuted theft, embezzlement, and fraud identity and worked investigations along with the Amarillo Police Department, the Potter County Sheriff's Office, Texas Department of Public Safety-Integrity Unit, the Texas Attorney General's Office, and the Texas State Auditor's Office. After a successful career at the 47th District Attorney's Office, Adrian moved to the 7th Court of Appeals in 2004.

While at the 7th Court of Appeals, Adrian worked for Chief Justice Phil Johnson (who later was named to the Texas Supreme Court) and Associate Justice Mackey K. Hancock. As staff attorney at the Court of Appeals, Adrian had the opportunity to gained an in-depth knowledge of legal issues typically appealed to the court. Adrian worked at the Court of Appeals for five years before deciding to open his private practice.

Throughout his career, Adrian has remained committed to serving the community. Adrian has served on various boards including the Texas Panhandle Mental Health Authority Board of Trustees, Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, St. Joseph's Catholic School Advisory Board, and has been a member of Los Barrios.

During his legal career, Adrian has tried all types of cases, both as a criminal defense attorney and as a prosecutor. He has also had the opportunity to observe the initial appellate process to better understand how to appeal your criminal case. Adrian's unique education and legal experience as well as his commitment to serving the community will provide his client an attorney who knows the legal system and how to best protect their legal rights.