Allison Hopkins graduated from SMU Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas. While in law school, Allison served as the Vice President of the Corporate Law Association and held positions on the SMU Law Review Association as Articles Editor as well as one of the Managing Editors who organized the Corporate Counsel Symposium. She also participated in SMU Law’s Corporate Externship Program where she worked as a legal extern for Capital One. Prior to law school, Allison graduated magna cum laude from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Public Relations and a minor in Business Foundations. She also participated in the university’s Sport and the International Olympic Committee study abroad program in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Prior to law school, Allison worked as an Account Manager for an early-stage technology startup in Austin, Texas while simultaneously working as a Research Assistant at Grable Martin Fulton PLLC. Working these jobs concurrently kickstarted Allison’s fascination with entrepreneurship and the interesting legal challenges that coincide.

At Vela Wood, Allison advises early-stage companies on formation, capital raises, corporate governance, and exits. She also frequently represents investors ranging from new angel investors to high net worth individuals and helps facilitate their investments.

Outside of work, Allison enjoys training for and racing marathons, playing tennis, traveling, and creating banger Spotify playlists to accompany every new adventure.

PUBLICATIONS

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.

– Marcus Aurelius

Fun Facts:

  • Allison competed in the Junior Olympics for Equestrians and briefly lived in Vechta, Germany to earn her Bronze and Silver Medal at the college of Pferdesportverband Weser-Ems.
  • As of the date of publishing, Allison has maintained a Duolingo streak in Spanish for 1,700 days (and counting).

  • Allison keeps a spreadsheet of her favorite places to get empanadas in Spain.

Education:

  • SMU Dedman School of Law, J.D.
  • The University of Texas at Austin, B.S., magna cum laude in Public Relations & Minor in Business Foundations
    • Moody College of Communication – Distinguished Scholar