Monica Cooper Napier

If you are accused of a crime, it’s important to have a guide through the legal system and a fighter by your side. Monica is an experienced trial lawyer, having tried both criminal and civil cases in state and federal courts. As a former federal and state prosecutor, Monica represents individuals accused of high-profile, high-risk felony offenses such as complex white-collar crimes, federal healthcare fraud, money laundering, sex crimes, drug crimes, and murder, to name a few.

Whether it’s a complex criminal matter, a high-profile prosecution, or a grand jury investigation, Monica ensures her clients are not taken advantage of by the government and that justice is achieved. Known for her ability to present her clients’ stories effectively to juries and judges, Monica is prepared to help clients navigate tough legal situations.

Born and raised in Houston, Monica earned her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin and her law degree from The University of Texas School of Law. While in law school, Monica excelled in the trial advocacy program, earning the award for Best Mock Trial Advocate in her class. She was inducted into the prestigious Order of Barristers, a national honorary society recognizing outstanding courtroom skills. Monica continues to coach law students, helping develop the next generation of trial lawyers.

Before founding The Napier Law Firm, Monica spent five years as a Texas prosecutor. At the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, she personally prosecuted hundreds of cases and tried jury trials involving murder, sex crimes, strangulation, domestic violence, online solicitation of a child, burglary of a habitation, and other serious offenses in both felony and misdemeanor courts. She was quickly promoted and chosen as Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit, handling only the most complex family violence felonies. She also served on the Vehicular Crimes Team, investigating and prosecuting vehicular manslaughter and assault cases.

Monica later became a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice. During her five years with the DOJ’s Fraud Section, she led teams of agents in investigating complex fraud cases throughout Texas and across the country, trying numerous jury trials to verdict. She also trained new and experienced prosecutors on trial presentation and the investigation of federal offenses.

In private practice, Monica’s skill in the courtroom, strong communication, and innovative strategic thinking quickly demonstrated that defending individuals was her true calling. While trial before a jury is Monica’s passion, she also helps clients and companies stop investigations in their tracks and avoid charges entirely in both federal and state criminal matters.

Prior Associations

United States Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Fraud Section

Trial Attorney, 2020–2025

The Lanier Law Firm PC

Trial Team Attorney, 2018–2020

Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office

Assistant District Attorney (Domestic Violence Chief, Vehicular Crimes Team), 2013–2017

Locke Lord LLP

Associate, Labor and Employment, 2011–2013

Lectures

• “Charging with Resolution in Mind – Considering Charging Options, Guidelines, and Resolutions,” Department of Justice, Health Care Fraud Training, Washington, D.C., December 2024

• “Case Agents – Best Practices for Trial Testimony,” National Health Care Fraud Training Conference, Bethesda, Maryland, September 2024

• “Opening Statements,” National Advocacy Center, Columbia, South Carolina, August 2024

• “Sexual Assault and Abuse Litigation – Strategies for Handling the Unique Challenges,” HarrisMartin Webinar Series, December 2019

• “Talc Science,” National Asbestos Litigation Conference, San Francisco, CA, September 2019

• “Latest Developments in Talc Litigation,” Mid-Atlantic Asbestos Litigation Conference, Wilmington, DE, July 2019