PAM PANNES, PLLC
OUR APPROACH
An effective lawyer helps people protect themselves. Their families. Their financial security. Their personal freedom. Our founders’ experience has been forged in family law, criminal law, estate planning, business formation, and civil litigation. We have decades of experience protecting individuals, families, businesses, and communities.
When clients need help with a complex personal, family, or business situation it’s likely they need effective legal counsel. That’s what we do at Hill Country Law: listen and learn about their unique situation and then help them come through that in the best manner possible.
Located in the heart of the Hill Country in Dripping Springs, Texas and serving the greater Austin area, call us at 512-220-9959 for a free consultation.
Our Team
PAMELA PANNES
Managing Partner
Pam began her career in one of the most demanding legal environments in the country: the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office in New York City. For nearly a decade as an Assistant District Attorney, she fought to protect families and communities in New York’s toughest borough.
Today, Pam brings that elite litigation and negotiation experience to a personal, client-focused practice. She understands that when a family faces a legal crisis - whether it’s a divorce or a criminal proceeding - the stakes couldn’t be higher. Pam is a uniquely skilled, tough, and effective advocate who works tirelessly to protect her clients' futures.
While her legal career began in New York, Pam’s roots are firmly in the Lone Star State. After spending several years living in overseas, she returned home to Texas, settling in the Hill Country in 2011. She credits her international experience with helping provide her a broad perspective and a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Pam is a proud Longhorn, completing her undergraduate degree (B.A., English) at University of Texas at Austin. She earned her law degree at Fordham Law School. When she isn’t in the courtroom, Pam enjoys life in Dripping Springs with her husband, their three adult children, and their two Labradors.
JUDGE JOHN BURNS
Judge, Ph.D., J.D.
Few attorneys can claim the diverse perspective John has as a Ph.D. scientist, a retired Naval Commander, and a sitting Justice of the Peace.
He draws on this 30-year foundation of rigorous analysis, exacting attention to detail, and procedural precision in private practice, where he helps neighbors navigate the complexities of estate planning, business formation and corporate governance, and nonprofit formation and management.
As the Hays County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace for the last eight years, John has dedicated his career to the fair application of the law. He brings that same common sense and disciplined approach to working with his clients.
A retired Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve with 20 years of service, John operated as both a Surface Warfare and Naval Intelligence Officer. In the private sector, he spent 13 years as a medical research scientist, holding a Ph.D. in Virology and Epidemiology from Baylor College of Medicine and authoring 27 published scientific papers. This scientific and military discipline served him well as General Counsel for major biotech firms like Origen Biomedical and Advanced Tissue Sciences, where he mastered the complexities of corporate governance and sophisticated negotiation.
John is deeply invested in the Central Texas community and his service includes leadership roles in several organizations including the Dripping Springs American Legion, Fireside Chat Support Network for veterans and first responders, and the Hill Country Senior Center.
He is a graduate of The Ohio State University (B.S., Microbiology), San Diego State University (M.S., Biology), Baylor College of Medicine (Ph.D., Virology & Epidemiology), and University of California, Davis – School of Law.
SAMANTHA STRANGE
Manager, Legal Affairs
Samantha is the heartbeat of our firm providing a welcoming and professional environment for every person who walks through our doors. She manages the daily operations of the office so that our legal team can focus entirely on achieving the best results for our clients.
She will freely admit that her most important role is ensuring that every client feels heard, supported, and organized from their very first phone call. Efficiently streamlining the intake process to get their case moving forward without delay, Samantha assists clients with scheduling, billing, or general questions throughout their relationship with the firm.
A long-time resident of the Oak Hill area of Austin, she has deep roots in the
community. As a mother of three, Samantha stays busy keeping up with her two sons and her daughter. She is an especially proud Navy Mom, a connection that mirrors the firm’s commitment to service and the military community.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Hill Country Law is a trusted local firm comprised of public servants who have been active in the Dripping Springs community for years. We know who you are because we're your neighbors, and we deliver results that center your needs.
Expertise
Benefit from our extensive legal knowledge and experience.
Personalized Service
Receive tailored legal advice and representation.
Proven Results
Trust our history of successful case outcomes.
Comprehensive Support
From consultation to courtroom, we've got you covered.
