Attorney 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. 

Federal criminal defense

Monica represents people under federal investigation and those charged with federal crimes. To discuss your case with her, contact The Napier Law Firm.

DWI defense

Monica also represents people charged with DWI, including felony DWI. George A. Napier is the firm’s primary DWI attorney. Learn more about the firm’s Texas DWI defense practice.

Monica represents clients in criminal cases and grand jury investigations, working to protect their rights and present their defense.

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 served as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Fraud Section, where her prosecution work included the Parvez Qureshi case and Operation Gold Rush, a federal health care fraud prosecution.

DOJ announcements identify Monica by her maiden name, Monica Cooper.

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.

Education

The University of Texas School of Law
J.D., 2011 (with Honors)
• Order of Barristers
• Best Mock Trial Advocate in Graduating Class

The University of Texas at Austin
B.A., 2008 (with Highest Honors)
• Phi Beta Kappa

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

Admissions

Monica Cooper Napier was licensed in Texas on November 4, 2011. Her State Bar number is 24071344. View her State Bar of Texas profile.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas — admitted May 10, 2018.

Eastern District of Texas