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The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth...that's one way to describe criminal defense expert Benson Varghese's YouTube channel and podcasts. If you walk on the wrong side of the law — or are wondering what will happen if you do — Varghese has the answers for you.
From "What Not to Do if You Get Arrested" to "Self Defense in Texas," Varghese's videos are straightforward, honest and to the point. His playlists cover a wide range of topics related to criminal law — from misdemeanors to murders and everything in between. (Don't miss his music video, "No Substitution," about his law firm.)
"I try to answer the questions everyone wants to know but may be afraid to ask," said Varghese, who is board certified in Criminal Law. "Maybe someone thinks they are about to get arrested and wants to know if they should take a polygraph, answer a detective's questions, or how much time they face in prison. Or a citizen got a jury summons and wants to know how to get out of jury duty. Or a homeowner wants to know if it's legal to shoot an intruder in their yard.
"There's no road that I won't go down. I don't sugarcoat anything; I tell it like it is. It's important to me that people get real answers to their questions about crime, punishment, and the criminal justice system."
That desire to educate and help people has led to two spin-off podcasts: The Breakdown with Benson Varghese and The Second Shot. The latter chronicles the journey of a former client, Chris Monroe. A former Division 1 basketball player, Monroe got addicted to drugs in college and was eventually sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his involvement in a large-scale methamphetamine ring.
Now free, Monroe is sharing his incredible journey with Varghese, and why going to prison was the best thing that ever happened to him.
"During my legal career, I have handled thousands of cases, first as a prosecutor and now as a defense attorney," Varghese said. "As you can imagine, I've met a lot of interesting people along the way — some good and, well, some not so good. Chris is one of those people who have stuck with me over the years. I'm incredibly honored that he has entrusted me to tell his story because I think it can help a lot of people."
When Varghese started his Texas firm nine years ago, hosting a YouTube Channel and a podcast wasn't necessarily part of the plan. But being a successful entrepreneur was always on the list, and suffice to say, he has checked that off the list.
In 2014, Varghese started his private practice in a one-room office with $9,000 he borrowed from an uncle. Today, his multi-million dollar firm, Varghese Summersett, has 41 team members on its roster.
His thriving YouTube Channel, podcasts, and music videos were natural extensions of his passion for criminal law, education and technology.
"Being an attorney-entrepreneur is about more than just practicing law," Varghese said. "It's about having the vision, creativity, and courage to think outside the box and pursue opportunities that others may not see."
Nothing came easy, of course. Varghese attributes his entrepreneurial spirit and success to his adolescent years on a hardscrabble rubber plantation in a tiny village in southern India.
"I grew up in Dallas, but when I was in the sixth grade, my parents sent me back to India, where I was born, to live with my grandparents," Varghese said. "Let's just say I had become a bit of a handful, and my parents thought it would be good for me to learn some discipline, work ethic, and responsibility."
A few years earlier, Varghese's father had purchased a rubber plantation in a remote village in Kerala, a place and time where things like running water and electricity were only periodically available. There were no televisions and computers and the Internet were unheard of.
"I learned how to run a business from the ground up — from hiring employees, to managing finances, to ensuring the trees were tapped properly," Varghese said. "It was a crash course in entrepreneurialism. I learned to take risks, but also how to think strategically."
The lessons he acquired on the plantation followed him back to North Texas, where he graduated with honors with a business degree from Southern Methodist University. He then put himself through law school at Texas Tech University School School of Law, where he graduated in 2009 with a Juris Doctor.
Varghese worked as a prosecutor at the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office in Fort Worth for several years, before deciding to hang his own shingle and open a criminal defense firm. A short time later, Anna Summersett — his law partner at the district attorney's office and future wife — joined him
Within three years of its inception, Varghese Summersett attracted top attorneys and moved into a stunning 8,500 square-foot office overlooking downtown Fort Worth.
The following year, the firm was recognized as the 782nd fastest-growing business in the United States by Inc. 5000 magazine. The year after that, Varghese Summersestt was named the sixth-fastest-growing company in Fort Worth by Fort Worth Inc. magazine.
With the criminal business thriving, the firm branched into family law and personal injury law. Varghese Summersett Family Law Group handles divorce, child custody disputes, asset division and other emotionally-charged family law matters. Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group represents individuals who have been injured or killed due to the negligent or wrongful actions of others.
As a whole, the firm boasts more than 600 five-star Google reviews, more than any other law firm in North Texas.
"It is very rewarding to be able to help people through life's greatest challenges," Varghese said. "We are committed to providing our clients with the best possible representation — regardless of whether it's a criminal or family matter or helping someone whose been wronged due to someone else's negligence. I'm extremely proud of all we have accomplished in such a short time."
To be sure, Varghese isn't slowing down anytime soon. The firm, and its three practice divisions, are moving to a 15,000-square foot space this summer in an effort to keep up with its exponential growth.
The new space will have a dedicated video production studio where Varghese and his attorneys can produce their daily YouTube videos and TikToks, interview guests, record podcasts, and engage with their followers.
Varghese is also in the process of designing and developing a new case management software system called Lawft, which will offer law firms tools to communicate more effectively with clients, manage caseloads, and grow their practices.
"I'm creating Lawft with all tools I wish my firm had when we started," Varghese said. "My hope is that it will help law firms scale while improving access to justice. It's another dream of mine that I'm working to make a reality."
Through it all, Varghese never forgets the lessons he learned on his family's rubber plantation more than 20 years ago.
"It's been an incredible and humbling journey," Varghese said. "When I reflect back on where I started, my success is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. You can achieve anything if you have a vision and are willing to put in the work.
"Having a YouTube channel and podcasts don't hurt either."