Our Team

  • Attorney at Law - Vanessa Ortega, JD MBA

    Certified Mediator

    Legal representation should be both strategic and personal.

    Vanessa grew up in Canutillo, Texas, where her introduction to the legal profession began early while working in her family’s law firm. Over the years, she worked her way from runner to law clerk, gaining firsthand experience in client service and advocacy before ultimately pursuing a legal career of her own.

    Vanessa earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Arizona State University before obtaining both her Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. During law school, she completed the highest number of pro bono service hours among her peers, reflecting her longstanding commitment to helping others and serving her community.

    With more than 15 years of experience in the legal field, Vanessa founded VRO Law Firm with a focus on personalized representation, client education, and practical legal solutions. She is licensed in New Mexico, is a certified mediator, and practices primarily in personal injury, estate planning and probate, Social Security, and immigration law.

    Clients appreciate Vanessa’s ability to genuinely connect with people while providing strong, strategic representation. She believes effective legal advocacy requires understanding not only the legal issues clients face, but also the personal challenges behind them.

    Vanessa is a member of the New Mexico Bar Association, the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association, and the New Mexico Women’s Bar Association. She also spearheaded the creation of a veteran-focused nonprofit organization that recently obtained 501(c)(3) status through the IRS.

    Outside of the office, Vanessa enjoys traveling, gardening, fitness, crocheting, reading, and spending time with the firm’s beloved office mascot , an English Staffordshire Bull Terrier. named Princess.

  • Attorney at Law - Shannon Kite Powell

    Shannon grew up in Lubbock, Texas and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas Tech University with her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2007, and her master’s degree in forensic science in 2016. She began her legal career in the District Clerk’s office in Lubbock and continued as a court coordinator in San Angelo before attending law school.

    She now lives in San Antonio, where she graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law. While in law school, she was a member of the student Criminal Law Association, a student member of TCDLA, and a Student Attorney with the Center for

    Legal and Social Justice-Criminal Justice Clinic. While in the clinic, she gained invaluable experience advocating for indigent clients and was able to obtain relief from the Court of Criminal Appeals before graduating from law school.

    Currently, Shannon is a member of the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. When she isn’t working, she’s a busy mom who enjoys CrossFit, traveling, collecting plants, and spending time with her family.

  • Legal Assistant Vivian Perez

    Vivian brings a deep passion for the law to VRO Law Firm. A proud U.S. Navy veteran with four years of honorable service, Vivian holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Legal Reasoning. Her military background instilled in her a strong sense of discipline, integrity, and commitment, values she now applies to every client interaction.

    Driven by the belief that everyone deserves a fair trial and access to legal help, Vivian supports our team with diligence and compassion. She plays a key role in ensuring that every client receives the respect, attention, and advocacy they deserve.

  • Paralegal - Brenda Sanchez Resendiz

    Brenda brings dedication, precision, and a strong commitment to client service to VRO Law Firm. Originally from Mexico, she is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, allowing her to connect with and support a diverse range of clients with clarity and compassion. Brenda plays an important role in supporting attorneys and ensuring that cases move forward efficiently. 


    Currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies at San Antonio Community College, where she continues to build her legal knowledge and skills. In addition, she is a commissioned Notary Public in the State of Texas and a certified Remote Online Notary, providing clients with accessible and reliable notarization services. Driven by a desire to grow within the legal field and make a meaningful impact, Brenda is proud to contribute to a team that values integrity, responsiveness, and strong client advocacy.