Attorney · Advocate · Scholar
Seantyel
A. Hardy
Pursuing justice in the spaces where the system falls silent — with precision, conviction, and an unyielding standard of excellence.
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Attorney · Advocate · Scholar
Pursuing justice in the spaces where the system falls silent — with precision, conviction, and an unyielding standard of excellence.
About
Seantyel Hardy has built her career at the intersection of two things the legal system doesn't always reconcile: rigorous, high-stakes advocacy and an unshakeable belief that every person deserves quality representation.
She currently serves as a Post-Conviction Attorney at the Texas Office of Capital and Forensic Writs — the state agency responsible for representing the vast majority of people on Texas death row in their initial state habeas proceedings. Her work engages the deepest questions of constitutional law, human dignity, and what our legal system is, and isn't, willing to get right. In May 2026, the Mayor of Austin and City Council recognized her personally for her dedicated pursuit of justice.
Before joining OCFW, she handled complex commercial litigation and pro bono death penalty appeals at a global law firm in state and federal courts nationwide — briefing and arguing motions at every stage, presenting live witness testimony, and advising clients in proceedings where the margin for error is zero. Her appellate foundation is anchored by federal clerkships with Judge Arianna J. Freeman on the Third Circuit and Judge Kathleen M. Williams on the Southern District of Florida, where she managed a civil docket of more than 100 active cases.
Experience
Post-Conviction Attorney IV
Investigating trial records, drafting state-habeas writs, preparing expert witnesses, and arguing post-conviction motions. Personally recognized by the Mayor of Austin in May 2026 for dedicated pursuit of justice.
⭑ Mayor of Austin Recognition, 2026Law Clerk
Clerked for the Honorable Arianna J. Freeman. Drafted bench memoranda for oral argument, crafted well-reasoned opinions, and revived the combined Third Circuit/EDPA/DDel Law Clerk Social Committee.
Senior Associate, General Litigation
Led defense strategy securing voluntary dismissals. Secured favorable jury verdicts in Kirkland Institute of Trial Advocacy advanced trials two consecutive years — once as defense, once as plaintiff — using the same case file. Managed junior-associate teams on high-stakes discovery.
⭑ Favorable jury verdict both years, KITA advanced programLaw Clerk
Clerked for the Honorable Kathleen M. Williams. Managed a civil docket of 100+ ongoing cases. Conducted legal research, drafted opinions, and hired and mentored interns year-round.
Associate → Senior Associate
Developed and implemented discovery strategy in mass tort, bankruptcy, and congressional investigations. Managed nationwide consumer-protection subpoena response leading to nationwide settlement. Conducted pro bono capital habeas litigation.
Education & Bar
Recognition
Personally recognized by the Mayor of Austin and City Council for her dedicated and unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of those most in need.
Mayor of Austin & City Council · May 2026
Philanthropy
Seantyel's commitment to justice extends far beyond her legal practice. As a Board Director for Calvary Women's Services — a 501(c)(3) organization providing shelter, addiction recovery, career training, and trauma-informed healthcare to displaced women in the D.C. area — she translated her professional excellence into transformational community impact.
Contact
Open to speaking engagements, professional connections, and meaningful conversations about justice, advocacy, and the law.