Caroline Gates-Groves focuses her practice primarily on probate, guardianship, and related matters involving vulnerable individuals and their families. She represents clients in probate and estate administration proceedings and regularly serves in court-appointed roles in guardianship, probate, and heirship matters.
Caroline began her legal career with the U.S. Department of Justice Honor Graduate Program before joining the Department for Rights of Virginians with Disabilities (DRVD), where she advocated for adults and children with disabilities. Her work included matters involving special education, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and investigations of abuse and neglect in state-operated mental health and intellectual disability facilities. That early experience continues to shape her approach to representing individuals whose rights, property, or well-being may be at risk.
Caroline takes a client-centered approach to the practice of law. She believes effective representation begins with listening carefully, understanding each client's goals and circumstances, and providing practical guidance through what can be complicated and emotional legal proceedings.
Her commitment to serving vulnerable individuals led Caroline to become a Texas Certified Guardian in 2017. Her experience serving as a guardian gives her firsthand knowledge of the significant fiduciary responsibilities imposed upon guardians and the practical realities of caring for and making decisions on behalf of an incapacitated person. This perspective is particularly valuable when advising families seeking guardianship and helping guardians navigate the continuing responsibilities and court oversight that follow an appointment.
Caroline's path back to the practice of law is somewhat unusual. After practicing in Virginia, she stepped away from the legal profession for approximately 20 years to raise her family. In 2021, she took and passed the Texas Bar Examination—exactly 30 years after passing the Virginia Bar. She is now admitted to practice in Texas, Virginia, and South Carolina.
Caroline and her husband, Michael, have been married since 1991 and have four children. While she is proud of her professional accomplishments, she considers raising her family her greatest achievement.
EDUCATION
Virginia Tech
B.A., Political Science, with honors, 1987
George Mason University School of Law
J.D., with distinction, 1991
BAR & COURT ADMISSIONS
• Texas State Courts
• Virginia State Courts
• South Carolina State Courts
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
• Texas Bar College
• Texas Guardianship Association
• State Bar of Texas – Women and the Law Section
• Texas Bar Foundation
• Washington County Bar Association
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
• Heritage Society of Washington County
• St. Peter's Episcopal Church
• Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Lifetime Member and Local Service Unit Treasurer
CONTACT CAROLINE
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (979) 316-1300
Paralegal: Jill Landry
[email protected]