Our Attorneys

Maryjane McLaren

Partner

Maryjane McLaren is the founding partner of the Law Firm of Aparicio & McLaren (formerly known as "McLaren and Associates"). Prior to attending law school, Maryjane worked 20 years in savings and loan business.

After serving as the Senior Vice President of United Savings, Maryjane received both her undergraduate and Juris Doctor degree from the University of Houston. Upon graduating, Maryjane became licensed and started practicing in Seattle, Washington as a corporate attorney and eventually becoming the president for an affiliated mortgage company. 

Maryjane returned to Texas in 1993 where she established Aparicio & McLaren and has continued her practice in Houston and McAllen.

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EDUCATION

• University of Houston Law Center, Houston, Texas

  • J.D.​

• University of Houston, Houston, Texas

  • B.S.​

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BAR ADMISSION

• Texas, 1993

• Washington, 1989

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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

• Hidalgo County Bar Association, Member

Gabriel C. Aparicio

Partner

Gabriel received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. After graduating from Texas A&M, Gabriel moved to Houston and attended South Texas College of Law Houston where he received his Juris Doctor degree. 

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During his time in law school, Gabriel earned his mediator's certificate from the Frank Evans Center for Conflict Resolution and continued his development in mediation and conflict resolution. As a law student, Gabriel participated in the Estate Planning Clinic where he helped individuals plan their estate, including drafting and executing their wills. 

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As a result of his exposure to this area of practice while interning at the firm and participating in the Estate Planning Clinic, he focused his law school curriculum on estate planning and real estate. Upon joining the firm, Gabriel has helped clients with planning their estate, asset protection, probate, fiduciary litigation, mitigating landlord-tenant disputes, elder law, and commercial and residential real estate transactions. 

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EDUCATION

• South Texas College of Law Houston, Houston, Texas

  • J.D.​

• Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

  • B.A.​

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BAR ADMISSION

• Texas, 2020

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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

• Hidalgo County Bar Association, Member

Alex T. Aparicio

Partner

Alex has been with Aparicio & McLaren for three years, first starting as a legal intern to a licensed attorney now. Before becoming an attorney at Aparicio & McLaren, Alex received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University in College Station. Following undergrad, Alex moved to San Antonio to attend St. Mary’s University School of Law. During Alex’s time at St. Mary’s University, he graduated in the top 15% of his graduating class.

Alex became interested in Business Law and Estate Planning when interning at the firm because he experienced the clarity and comfort Ms. Maryjane McLaren provided clients when guiding them through difficult situations. Alex strives to provide the comfort and clarity that Aparicio & McLaren has been providing for years.

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EDUCATION

• St. Mary's University School of Law, San Antonio, Texas

  • J.D., cum laude​

• Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

  • B.S., cum laude​

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BAR ADMISSION

• Texas, 2022

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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

• Hidalgo County Bar Association, Member

• Texas Bar College, Member

Thomas Rayfield

Of Counsel

Mr. Rayfield received his Bachelor of Arts from Texas State University and was an Honors Program student. After graduating, Mr. Rayfield obtained a

Juris Doctorate degree the University of Houston Law Center, and was awarded membership in the Order of Barristers. Since moving to the Rio Grande Valley in 1998, Mr. Rayfield has concentrated his practice on civil litigation, legal malpractice and professional liability defense, and representation of Attorneys, Doctors, Engineers and other professionals before state agencies, including the State Bar of Texas, Commission for Lawyer Discipline, Texas Board of Medical Examiners, Texas

Board of Professional Engineers, Texas Board of Nursing, and other agencies. Mr. Rayfield is Board Certified in Professional Liability - Legal by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys, and serves as Secretary to the Board of Governors. ​Mr. Rayfield is also licensed to practice law in New York. Prior to relocating to the Rio Grande Valley, Mr. Rayfield practiced general civil litigation in Houston, Texas, for 10 years. In addition, he served as an Adjunct Law Professor for the University of Houston Law Center, teaching pretrial and trial procedure.

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EDUCATION

• University of Houston Law Center, Houston, Texas

  • J.D.​ 1988

• Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas

  • B.A.​ 1983

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BAR ADMISSION

• Texas, 1988

• New York, 2011

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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

• Hidalgo County Bar Association, Member

• American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys