Community
Our Commitment to the Community
At Texas Defense Firm, community matters. Whether we're supporting local organizations, investing in education, or participating in events that strengthen McKinney and the surrounding region, we're committed to showing up, getting involved, and making a meaningful impact. Here are some of the ways our team gives back:
She Leads McKinney - Alyse Ferguson
Alyse Ferguson, attorney at Texas Defense Firm, is being recognized by McKinney Today, a publication run by the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, as part of the She Leads McKinney Women's History Month campaign, for her leadership in mental health advocacy and criminal justice reform.
Alyse works at the intersection of law, law enforcement and community care—training local police departments on how to respond to mental health crises and helping implement tools like the APOWW form, an alternative to arrest that prioritizes care and safety.
"Her passion for advocacy of those who can't advocate for themselves is what sets Alyse apart from the crowd. Her deep compassion and empathy collides with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of law."
McKinney's Chamber Of Commerce Outstanding Large Business of the Year 2026
In early 2026, Texas Defense Firm was honored with the Outstanding Large Business of the Year 2026, which is granted annually to a local McKinney business of 16 or more employees that:
- Is an active McKinney Chamber member and community contributor
- Has been in business in the city for at least 5 consecutive years and holds high ethical standards
- Is recognized by customers as providing the highest quality products and/or services
- Has demonstrated growth and contribution/achievement for their industry
We are incredibly proud to hold this year's award. This honor reflects our team's dedication, our commitment to excellence, and the strong support of our clients and community. We're grateful to be part of such a thriving business community and excited to continue serving McKinney with integrity and purpose.
Plano Sports Authority (PSA)
Our attorney Kristi Tyler, a dedicated advocate for juvenile rights, is pictured at our firm's sponsorship booth with Plano Sports Authority (PSA). Through her involvement in local youth sports initiatives, Kristi demonstrates our firm's commitment to supporting children and families beyond the courtroom. We are proud to stand alongside organizations that help build confidence, foster teamwork, and create opportunities for young people in our community.
"Cruisin's Not a Crime"
Our attorney, Gonzalo Serrano, is pictured at his annual LowRider event in Dallas, which he proudly sponsors in support of local LowRider car clubs. The event celebrates culture, creativity, and community connection, embodied by the message "Cruisin's Not a Crime."
Gonzalo's involvement reflects our firm's belief in standing with the communities we serve and supporting positive expression, tradition, and unity beyond the courtroom.
Annual Trial Academy
The annual Trial Academy was started by Founding Partner Jeremy Rosenthal as a way to mentor new and developing attorneys. The program spans three full Fridays each year, offering hands-on instruction from seasoned litigators. This initiative strengthens the legal profession by fostering professional growth, sharpening advocacy skills, and preparing the next generation of attorneys to represent clients with confidence.
Guest Lecture at SMU Dedman School of Law
Attorney Jeremy Rosenthal, an SMU Dedman alumnus, returned to campus as a guest lecturer for the Constitutional Criminal Procedure class. He shared practical insights from his extensive experience defending individuals in high-stakes criminal cases. We're proud to contribute to the education of future attorneys and help shape the next generation of legal minds.
Mental Health Training at Collin College & Local Police Departments
Attorney Alyse Ferguson regularly teaches mental health-related crisis intervention at local police departments and Collin College. Her instruction helps equip public safety professionals with the tools to respond effectively, compassionately, and lawfully when individuals are in crisis. Supporting this type of training strengthens both justice and community trust.
North Texas Mental Health Symposium
We were honored to participate in the 2025 North Texas Mental Health Symposium. This year's theme, "Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges," focused on improving mental health outcomes across communities and systems. Attorney Alyse Ferguson served as a guest speaker, teaching a breakout session on Emergency Detentions and Deterioration.
Our firm also sponsored a booth at the event, allowing us to connect with professionals, share resources, and support continued innovation in mental health care across North Texas. We're proud to stand alongside organizations dedicated to strengthening community well-being.
McKinney Chamber of Commerce – LINKS Networking
Members of our team regularly attend the McKinney Chamber of Commerce LINKS Networking events, most recently at the historic McKinney Flour Mill. These weekly gatherings give local business owners and professionals the opportunity to build relationships, strengthen the local economy, and stay connected to the needs of the McKinney community. We value this ongoing partnership and the chance to support a thriving business environment.
Builders of Justice Event
Texas Defense Firm is proud to sponsor and participate in the Builders of Justice Progressive Dinner. This annual event benefits Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, a nonprofit dedicated to providing high-quality legal services to low-income Texans. It plays a vital role in supporting equal access to justice for those who cannot afford legal representation. We are honored to contribute to Legal Aid's mission through our continued involvement.
Women of Distinction Luncheon
Attorneys Vanita Budhrani Parker and Aubrey K. Noonan represented the firm at the Women of Distinction Luncheon. This annual event celebrates the achievements of women who lead, inspire, and uplift their communities. We're honored to participate in recognizing leaders who make North Texas stronger, more equitable, and more connected
Spirit Day
We work hard—and on Spirit Day, we play hard too. The RKT family celebrated by representing their favorite sports teams, sharing food, and enjoying time together away from the daily grind. Events like these help strengthen our internal culture and remind us that community begins within our own walls.
Texas Defense Firm's 5th Birthday Celebration
This milestone celebration marked five years of service to McKinney and the surrounding communities. Our team came together for food, desserts, activities, and even a special appearance from Bluey. The event was a meaningful opportunity to honor how far we've come, recognize the people behind our success, and renew our commitment to serving clients in Texas.
Bi-Monthly Lunch & Learn
Our Lunch & Learn series helps our non-lawyer staff broaden their understanding of the legal system and the work we do each day. We believe education strengthens our entire team and ultimately enhances the way we serve our clients.
