There are defining moments in every man’s life. Thoseunanticipated curveballs life throws at each of us are transformative;only with faith, guidance and love can we ensure certainty in life’spurpose about who we are and what we have the potential toachieve.
“We are all products of our environment and molded by ourexperiences. We each have the ability to change our given directionat any time. I sincerely believe that,” says 36–year–old attorney,Nicholas “Nico” LaHood.
Nico’s understated demeanor is defined at first introduction.LaHood is a fighter. Whether sparring in martial arts, protectinghis clients’ rights, or recalling past memories that have made himthe man he is today, Nico has all the attributes of a fighter drivento serve a greater cause. Seeking justice is Nico’s passion, and heexplains why he recently announced his intention to seek the officeof District Attorney in Bexar County.
“To me, there is nothing more noble than fighting to upholdjustice and serving others,” he says.
Born and raised in San Antonio, Nico’s upbringing taught himthe value of faith and moral fortitude. His parents came fromhumble beginnings. His father’s parents immigrated to the statesfrom Lebanon. His mother, Norma, grew up in a traditional Hispanichousehold and graduated from Harlandale High School. Sheattended St. Leo’s Catholic Church, where the boys accompaniedtheir grandma to service on Sundays.
“At my grandma’s, we didn’t have much money, but we felt richbecause we were so loved,” shares Nico. “It was a good childhood,filled with love and happiness.”
After graduating from Central Catholic High School, he receiveda finance degree from St. Mary’s University, and then a Doctorateof Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s Law School, before following thepath blazed by his father, Michael La Hood, Sr., a well–respectedlocal attorney for more than 40 years. His mother and father lovinglyraised their three sons; Mike Jr., Nico and Marc. The brothers’ bondwas unbreakable, and their passion for life undeniable. Their fatherset into motion the foundation for his sons’ ambitions, as eachyoung man hoped to follow in his father’s footsteps and becomea successful attorney.
Today, Nico is a defense attorney, but has also been appointedto serve as a Special Prosecutor for Bexar and Wilson counties, anduntil recently, served Medina and Karnes counties in the samecapacity. Nico’s expertise on both sides of the law gives him abroad range of experience that will serve him well if elected thenext District Attorney. Regardless of what side he represents, Nicosees his job as first and foremost to seek justice.
In addition to serving as a Special Prosecutor, Nico also hasserved as a Magistrate Judge, an appointment he particularlyappreciates because he was appointed by all nine Bexar CountyDistrict County Judges. Well–respected by peers on both sidesof the bar and the many judges whom he has tried cases before;LaHood’s professional accomplishments have earned him praise onmore than one occasion. Nico has been recognized in the SuperLawyer’s Edition of Law & Politics Magazine, honoring the mostoutstanding lawyers in each state as chosen by their peers; andwas the recipient of the prestigious Texas Rising Star award for thepast three consecutive years. His legal service and commitment tothe community has impressed many judicial leaders, among them,Retired Judge, Alma Lopez, a highly regarded former Chief Justiceof the 4th Court of Appeals, who recently volunteered toserve as treasurer for LaHood’s campaign.
As a defense attorney, Nico’s cases have encompassedthe full range of circumstances, but there are certainrealms of criminal allegations he avoids: capital murder,aggravated sexual assaults and crimes on children. Thereis reason for his hesitation. Practicing law as both aprosecutor and defender, Nico has also experienced theimpact of crime firsthand.
Nico’s older brother, Michael La Hood, Jr., was brutally murdered13 years ago in the driveway of his parent’s northside residence.
That night, my brother Mike was out with some friends and afriend was following him home in her car. There were some guyscarjacking people and targeting women that night. They began tofollow my brother’s friend who was following Mike to our house.When they arrived at my parent’s home, in the driveway, theindividuals attempted to carjack and rob her. They also wantedMike’s wallet and keys. Mike told his friend to run inside and triedto distract and confront the guys as she ran away. Mike was shot inthe face and later died in the driveway.
“I was in complete shock. It just didn’t seem real,” describes Nico.“I heard my mom sob in a way only a mama can. To this day, I canstill hear the way she cried; I will never forget it. I saw my pop cry forthe first time. I knew my life would never be the same. I didn’t knowin what way, I didn’t know what would happen. I didn’t know God’splan for me, but I knew my life would never be the same.”
His brother’s death was not the first time Nico was forced toconfront life’s di cult trials and tribulations. Fifteen years ago, twoyears prior to his brother’s death, he was faced with a drug charge.
“Like so many young people, I wasn’t thinking of my future orthe consequences of my actions,” he says, regret clear in his voice.“The worst part of the entire situation was facing my pop. His strongwords taught me a valuable lesson that day. He said, ‘it will take youyears to build up a good reputation, and it will take you one secondto mess it up. Life is about decisions and consequences. If you makea bad decision, you have to face the consequences.’”
Nico took full responsibility for his actions and received deferredadjudication for his o ense, resulting in the case being dismissedfrom his record. More importantly, Nico took his father’s words toheart and began to pursue his goals toward higher education andhis dream to stand beside his father in the legal profession.
Perhaps, as a survivor of tragedy, most might have assumedNico would have become a career prosecutor from the start. Hisexperience as a young man and the tragedy he’s overcome are atestimony to his own personal and professional triumphs. Ratherthan allowing the past to stand as a roadblock to his dreams, Nico’sexperiences have made him stronger and more resilient and abetter o cer of the court.
Nico also gained invaluable experience as a small businessowner after he opened his own firm, The Law O ces of NicholasLaHood.
“As a business owner, I know how important it is to personally bethere for my clients, which means often working long nights andweekends. I truly care about my clients,” he says with sincerity. “Onmy card, it reads: Attorney and Counselor at Law. I take that rolevery seriously and I consider it a privilege.”
People often come to Nico for guidance, encouragement andthe comfort of knowing someone is on their side to protect theirrights.
“Sometimes you’re up against insurmountable odds,” says Nico.“That’s when you need conviction and courage.”
His philosophies in life and law stem from his father’s wisdom.
“My pop taught me to always advocate, ethically and legally,”says Nico. “You shouldn’t lie, cheat, or steal to win, but no oneconquers if they aren’t willing to fight.”
Only in the last three years, has he been comfortable talkingabout his brother Mike’s passing. Comfort for the LaHood familydid not come until justice was served. The perpetrators werecaught, prosecuted and brought to justice. Nico points out thecase benefited from good police work, and fostered a strongalliance with an officer who helped bring his brother’s murderersto justice.
In 2006, Nico stood beside his younger brother, Marc, as arepresentative of his family to witness the execution of his brother’skiller. He admits something within him changed that day standingin the center of the impending execution. However, it wasn’t a finalpeace, as might be expected, even as justice was served for thecrime that tore through his family’s heart. Rather, he felt overcomewith compassion as he recognized that his family members werenot the only victims standing there that day.
“As I witnessed the execution, I thought about his family also;I could hear his mom crying. They didn’t raise him to do that. Hismom loved him no matter what. His siblings loved him no matterwhat. To them, it was still a tragedy,” says Nico. “I prayed for God tocomfort them.”
Nico’s charismatic disposition exudes compassion, experience,commitment and integrity of which his friends, colleagues, peersand observers believe will continue to make him a success and arole model to inspire others, regardless of the office he will one dayhold.
Nico, and his wife Davida, have a nine–month old daughter,Maya, whom he joyfully calls, “a miracle for my family”.
“She’s a blessing from God. I thank him for her everyday.”
Maya’s birth was an answer to a prayer Nico made long ago.
“I see joy in my mom’s face when she looks at my daughter that Ihaven’t seen since before my brother passed away,” says Nico.
His respect for his mother is undeniable, as the two share aspecial bond as mother and son.
“My mom is an incredible woman,” he conveys with heartfeltadmiration. Married three years ago, Nico radiates a sincereappreciation for the love he shares with Davida. The depth of theirconnection is apparent at first glance.
“She’s a great mommy and the most sincere woman I’ve everknown,” he fondly says. “I only pray that our daughter inherits mywife’s love for people and zest for life.”
At 72–years young, Michael La Hood, Sr. still actively works at hisgeneral law practice.
“My pop is my hero and the most unselfish man I know,” describesNico. “He sacrifices on a daily basis, and doesn’t want any credit forit. He’s comfortable living in the shadows of his children’s successes.He’s a man amongst men.”
Nico and his brother, Marc, a fellow defense attorney, haveachieved their goal of emulating their father’s example in the legalprofession. While each man has made a name for himself, theydon’t refrain from working on cases together and o ering eachother support and guidance.
“It’s an honor to work beside both my pop and my little brother,”he humbly asserts.
Outside of his successful career, Nico is committed to martial artsas both a student and teacher. As a teacher, many of his students,past and present, have included law enforcement officers. Throughhis years of training, Nico has gained a keen sense of discipline andwork ethic, which serves him well as he continues to pursue hisdreams and goals.
LaHood is also very active in the community and focuses hiscommunity service e orts serving on several San Antonio boards,among them St. Mary’s University Alumni Board, San Antonio KidsExchange, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Leadership Board,and the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
A spiritual man, Nico is led by his faith and trust in God. His selfdetermination,discipline and perseverance have enabled him toembrace life, regardless of past challenges.
“My pastor says, sometimes life is not good and sometimes life is notbad, it’s just life. Bad things happen to good people. Life can presentobstacles, but we persevere by overcoming adversity. Some thingsyou can’t control, but you can control how you respond to them.”
With an open mind and an open heart, Nico continues tocourageously follow his ambitions and the innumerable possibilitiesthat lie ahead. To a casual observer, taking on a known incumbentmay seem like a tremendous endeavor, but in comparison to whathe has already overcome in life, this challenge is one he is wellprepared for. While some may only lead by promise, Nico leads withaction, a testament to his everyday commitment to the greatergood of his community and to those he represents.
“I’m home–grown from San Antonio and I love this community,”he says. “I have had many blessings and many challenges in my life,but I will continue to listen for my calling and never stop trying nomatter what the future holds.”
His vision is steadfast and his passion deeply–rooted. While hisexperiences, both good and bad, helped to shape who he is, NicoLa Hood knows that he alone can define the man he is today; acompassionate leader, a resolute fighter, empowered survivor,devoted family man, and respected legal guardian who spendseach day seeking justice as he upholds the laws of the constitution.With his family beside him, his wife’s hand to hold, and his daughterto remind him every day is a new beginning, Nico continues topersevere; guarded by his faith, inspired by hope and guided bylove. For everything he’s been through and everything he strivesfor culminates in the attributes of a champion who rises aboveadversity to find purpose and meaning even in life’s most arduouschallenges. And that, above all, is his greatest triumph in life.
