Sylvia R. Vela

Sylvia joined the Kaplan Law Firm in 2023 as Director of Client Services.

Sylvia has over 35-years of experience in both the public and private sector with a specialty certification in civil litigation and appellate work.  Sylvia worked in local government for over ten years. In recent years, Sylvia worked primarily on whistleblower and fraud cases, suing on behalf of taxpayers to recoup money defrauded from the government.  Sylvia also has over 20-years of office administration experience and is focused on developing and improving processes for the Firm to more efficiently and effectively serve its clients.

Sylvia is a native Austinite who loves her community and believes in paying it forward.  Sylvia supports local non-profits and community projects by volunteering on committees and fundraising.  Some of her favorite organizations are HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians) and Family Eldercare, where she helps collect fans for the elderly.

Sylvia comes from a family of musicians with a strong heritage.  Sylvia’s grandfather was a mariachi, her father a “Tejano” orchestra band leader, her husband a touring trumpet player in a Tejano band, and her son a touring professional rock drummer, just to name a few.  Sylvia even did a little performing herself.  It would be no surprise to see her at a concert or festival supporting local musicians.

Sylvia is married to husband, Santiago “Jimmy” Vela, Jr.  Together, they enjoy all things outdoors—travelling, fishing, and gardening.  They have two grown children, Santiago III and Sonia Rita, and the family dog, Millie.