Owner, Managing Director

Arturo Fuentes III ✉

Arturo was born in Houston, Texas, to immigrant parents from Matamoros, Mexico. After attending St. Francis De Sales Catholic School and Sharpstown High School, Arturo received a full academic scholarship to the University of Houston where he double majored in Political Science and Sociology, and minored in Philosophy. Arturo has always been interested in the legal field, and upon graduation, he chose to attend South Texas College of Law. As a law student, Arturo clerked at the First Court of Appeals of Texas; Vinson & Elkins, LLP; Susman Godfrey LLP; and Diamond McCarthy LLP.

After graduation, Arturo was hired by Mr. Rene Gonzalez. Under Rene’s mentorship, Arturo acquired an appreciation for defending the rights of the members of his community. As Rene’ protégé, Arturo learned from his example in law and business. Arturo, who was selected by Rene because of his drive and ambition, has been successful in growing and expanding the Firm while keeping Rene’s legacy alive. Through Rene's guidance and training, Arturo developed the relationships, leadership, and business experience necessary to make Rene Gonzalez & Associates one of the most respected and successful law firms in Houston.

As the current owner and manager of Rene Gonzalez & Associates, PLLC, Arturo continues to build upon the great accomplishment that Rene started, and seeks to expand even further as he takes the Firm into a very bright future, together with a team of promising attorneys. When not dedicating his time to afford each and every one of his clients the legal representation they demand and deserve, Arturo is a car enthusiast and an avid sports fan. He enjoys dabbling in the culinary and visual arts, discovering new places and cultures, and spending time with his associates and his family.

MEMBER

Raymond F. Coldren ✉

Raymond was hired by Rene in 2005, and has since been an integral part of the Firm’s success. Raymond earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Southern Methodist University. Prior to working for Rene Gonzalez & Associates, PLLC, Raymond interned at the Office of the Governor in Austin and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office.

Raymond is the Firm’s second most senior member, and provides continued mentorship to the Firm’s attorneys. Raymond has tried hundreds of cases, ranging from traffic tickets, auto accidents, to serious criminal charges. Because of his extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the law, he is often invited to speak at events about trial tactics, courtroom strategy, and various legal topics.

Raymond also serves as the chief appellate attorney in the Firm, and has appealed cases to the 1st and 14th Court of Appeals in Houston, the Court of Criminal Appeals in Austin, and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.

MEMBER

Andrew M. Valenson ✉

Andy was born and raised in Houston, Texas and is first generation American. His father immigrated from Russia and his mother from Honduras. Andy graduated cum laude from Midwestern State University with a B.A. in Political Science and minor in Sociology. He played soccer while attending Midwestern State and led his team to several conference championships, NCAA births as well as an “Elite Eight” appearance. Andy received his Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University in 2007. While attending St. Mary’s Law, Andy was an active member of the Hispanic Law Student Association and was elected by his peers as a Senator for the Student Bar Association.

Andy gained extensive experience clerking with the Galveston County District Attorney’s office and also defended clients in their immigration hearings before bringing his talents to the Firm. Andy was the last attorney Rene personally selected when he joined the Firm in 2007. Andy is fluent in Spanish and provides guidance and training to all the new attorneys. His leadership has been instrumental in the Firm’s growth and success. Andy has extensive trial experience and defends all his clients vigorously. Andy resides in the Houston area with his wife and son and still enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his family.