About Us

Marcio Soares founded and currently manages The Soares Law Firm. After earning his MS in Public Administration from National University, Marcio earned his JD from the University of Massachusetts School of Law.

While attending law school, he completed two Harvard Business School certificate programs. He also earned an LLM in Elder Law and Estate Planning from Western New England University School of Law.

With a passion for elder law, he is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

In addition to his educational achievements, he is a decorated Army veteran and has earned several Army Commendation and Achievement medals. He has served as a Paratrooper, Ranger, and Special Forces Green Beret.

During his 15+ years of service, he reached the rank of Sergeant First Class and deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

After serving his country with honor and distinction, he now brings that same dedication to serving the estate planning needs of Texas residents.

Chelsea primarily focuses on estate planning, special needs planning, and elder law. A proud graduate of Baylor University School of Law, she is a seasoned attorney with 26 years of experience, but what stands out just as much as her legal skill is her heart for people.

Over the last decade, she stepped into leadership roles with organizations serving seniors and the IDD community, and she brings back to the practice of law something you cannot teach in a classroom: real-world insight, deep compassion, and a steady commitment to advocacy.

That kind of perspective matters because it shapes how you listen, how you lead, and how you fight for what is right. A Tyler resident for 26 years, Chelsea has long been part of the fabric of this community. She is also a devoted mother of four, and outside the office you will find her painting, writing, and serving through her church.

She brings warmth, purpose, and wisdom into every room she walks into, and we are grateful to be able to serve families alongside her.

Mike primarily focuses on estate planning, elder law, and real estate law. He is an experienced attorney whose legal knowledge is matched by his genuine compassion for the families he serves.

Prior to joining the Soares Law Firm, Mike was an Associate Attorney at Flowers Davis, where he focused on estate planning, probate, real estate, business planning, and special needs planning. He brings a thoughtful, practical approach to helping clients protect what matters most, always taking the time to understand each family's unique goals and concerns.

One area especially close to Mike's heart is special needs planning. As the father of a son with special needs, he understands firsthand the importance of preparing for the future and creating a plan that provides security, dignity, and peace of mind for loved ones. That personal perspective allows him to serve families with both compassion and understanding.

Before entering the practice of law, Mike served as an analyst for the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Washington, D.C., and clerked for the District of Columbia Superior Court. Those experiences strengthened his legal foundation, but it is his humility, integrity, and heart for serving others that truly define who he is.

Outside the office, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife, Genevieve, and their four children. Whether he is with his family, exploring the outdoors, or helping clients navigate important life decisions, Mike leads with kindness, wisdom, and a servant's heart.

Hugh McDonald brings more than five decades of legal, business, and executive leadership experience to his practice. Throughout his career, he has advised businesses, real estate developers, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs while serving in private practice, as in-house general counsel, and in senior management positions for both publicly traded and privately held companies. His experience spans business law, commercial real estate, corporate governance, and complex business transactions, giving him a practical perspective that extends well beyond the practice of law.

Mr. McDonald earned his Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law, where he served as Research and Managing Editor of the Duke Law Journal. He later completed executive studies at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and pursued postgraduate studies in federal securities law at Boston University School of Law. He has practiced with several respected law firms in Texas and California, including two of the nation's largest international firms, and has also served as a commercial arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association and as a trained mediator.

His professional accomplishments have been widely recognized. For 30 consecutive years, he has earned Martindale-Hubbell's AV Preeminent rating, the highest distinction for legal ability and ethical standards. He was also honored by the State Bar of Texas for 50 years of service as a member of the Texas Bar.

Beyond his legal career, Hugh has always believed that serving others is a responsibility, not simply a profession. He is a proud veteran of the United States Army and Army Reserve, having served in the 82nd Airborne Division and the 90th Infantry Division. Throughout his career, he has generously devoted his time to providing pro bono legal services and supporting churches, veterans, and youth organizations. His commitment to service, coupled with decades of experience and sound judgment, continues to shape the way he advises clients and serves his community today.