Earl Dobson grew up in Austin, Texas and graduated from Reagan High School in 1986. With the goal of a career in criminal law, Earl attended Southwest Texas State University and earned a degree in Criminal Justice. He then chose to attend Baylor University Law School because of its reputation for training trial lawyers through its renowned practice court program and received his Juris Doctorate in 1993. During law school Earl completed an internship with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office and worked as a law clerk for Joe Turner, a well known Austin criminal defense attorney. These experiences allowed him to see both sides of criminal law.

In order to gain trial experience, Earl decided to seek employment in a district attorney’s office. His first job was with the 81st Judicial District Narcotics Task Force where he was recognized by fellow employees for his work in narcotics prosecution and asset seizure and forfeiture.

He then spent the next 12 years with the Denton County District Attorney’s Office as a Chief Felony Prosecutor with trial experience in all Denton County District courts. Other positions in the office include the Chief in the Intoxication Impact Court with emphasis on substance abuse related offenses such as DWI, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of a Controlled Substance, and the Vice/Obscenity Prosecutor where he dealt with sexually related offenses. He was the trial prosecutor in Carmell vs. Texas, a published opinion by the United States Supreme Court. Earl was also the lead trial prosecutor in the last death penalty case in Denton County. The case involved mental health and family violence issues and resulted in a guilty verdict and a sentence of death.

Throughout his legal career Earl has earned a number of professional achievements. He is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has also been named a Rising Star for Best Lawyers Under 40 by Texas Monthly. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Denton County Bar Association, is a former President of the Greater Denton County Young Lawyers Association, and in 2001 was appointed to the Texas District and County Attorney’s Association legislative committee which included offering advice and testimony in Austin during the legislative session regarding important criminal justice issues.

In his spare time Earl was a volunteer 7-8 year old Little League football coach for the Lewisville Football Association. He is a lifelong Texas Longhorn football fan. He is also a strong supporter of 2nd Amendment rights and an avid hunter.

Earl and his wife Michelle live in Pilot Point with their Labrador retriever Adalida.