About Alyssa
Attorney Alyssa J. Patterson was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Cedar Hill, Texas. She attended Cedar Hill I.S.D. schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade, graduating as an honors student from Cedar Hill High School in 2007. At just twelve years old, Alyssa declared to her parents, that she wanted to become a lawyer. That moment, filled with clarity and conviction, marked the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of justice. Though her parents, Phyllis Wilborn Patterson, a retired accountant from Mobil Oil Corporation and Jimmy D. Patterson, an accountant and former Dallas County Sheriff’s Office DMU Jail Director, have passed, their belief in her potential remains a guiding light. Alyssa’s parents taught her to value education, treat people right, and always do the right thing in life. Alyssa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of North Texas in Denton in May 2011, along with minors in Criminal Justice and Spanish. She continued her education at the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor in May 2014.
During law school, Alyssa clerked for the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, the highest criminal court in the State of Oklahoma. Following her legal education, Alyssa returned home to Dallas and became licensed to practice law in Texas in 2015. She began her legal career as a family law and criminal defense attorney in Dallas County. She then went on to become a Briefing Attorney for two terms for the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals at Dallas. Driven by her passion for public service, she transitioned into prosecution, serving as a Prosecutor for the City of Dallas, City Attorney’s Office. Alyssa’s career progressed over the years, and she began to handle misdemeanor, felony, and appellate cases on behalf of the State of Texas. Over the course of her career, she has handled thousands of criminal cases and earned a reputation as a skilled, ethical, and dedicated criminal trial attorney.
Alyssa deeply understands the complexities of the criminal justice system, including the impact of poverty, economic inequality, and limited access to legal resources. She recognizes how challenging childhood and community environments can contribute to individuals’ involvement in the system. Her approach to justice is grounded in fairness, integrity, and compassion.
Beyond her professional work, Alyssa is an active and dedicated public servant. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dallas Alumnae Chapter, where she continues to serve her community through sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Alyssa is also a member of the J.L. Turner Legal Association, where she previously served as Parliamentarian, and Dallas Black Women Lawyers Association, Sparkler Co-Chair. Additionally, she is a member of the Dallas Bar Association and a former Associate of the Honorable Patrick E. Higginbotham American Inn of Court.
In recognition of her professional excellence and leadership, Alyssa was honored as one of The National Black Lawyers Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, University of North Texas Top 40, University of North Texas President’s List, Amazin’ Zeta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Chapter President, University of North Texas Dean’s List, University of Oklahoma College of Law Black Law Students Association, President, Black Law Students Association, Rocky Mountain Region Vice Chair/President, Founder of the University of Oklahoma College of Law Criminal Law Association, University of Oklahoma College of Law, Class of 2014 Graduating Class Secretary, and Alyssa received at graduation the University of Oklahoma College of Law Pro Bono Service Award, for her free legal service while in law school at the District Attorney’s Office.
She believes that Dallas County deserves judges who are fair, compassionate, and efficient in managing court dockets and trial settings. Moreover, if elected, Alyssa has fresh, new, innovative ideas and programs to implement in her Court. Lastly, if elected, Alyssa pledges to ensure that justice is served promptly and that every citizen who enters the courtroom is treated with dignity, respect, and equality under the law.