J.D., magna cum laude
Texas Jury Awards $61M in Products Liability Case Against Honda After Car Wreck |

Ilya Hefets is a personal injury associate attorney who graduated magna cum laude from Baylor Law School and summa cum laude from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He loves the Waco community and is committed to helping people when they need support the most.

From a young age, Ilya has been driven to understand people and help them through difficult moments. Growing up in Los Angeles, he found a deep appreciation for justice. That desire for fairness ultimately spurred him along the path to become an attorney.
Over the years, that interest developed from an academic passion to a steadfast commitment to stand beside people through their hardest times. Ilya’s journey took him to the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned his degree in political science and graduated summa cum laude.
Ilya became fascinated with political philosophy and the role law plays in building communities. Drawn to Texas through family ties, he chose to attend Baylor Law School, where he graduated magna cum laude.
While at Baylor Law School, focused his coursework on estate planning and criminal law, which gave him a unique understanding of client needs and litigation strategy. Ilya also served as the LL.M. Associate during his time there, where he worked closely with faculty and helped support the program’s candidates.
As the LL.M. Associate, Ilya audited every class he could to strengthen his skills in litigation management. What he valued most about that position was the chance to help others grow, which is something he brings with him to his role as an assistant attorney at The Carlson Law Firm.
Personal injury law felt like a natural fit for Ilya because it allows him to guide people through overwhelming circumstances while making the most of his analytical skills. Many clients come to him at one of the most stressful points in their lives.
Ilya takes pride in advocating for them and helping them understand their options. His goal is always to reduce uncertainty in difficult times and help people move forward with confidence and support.
Living in Waco for more than five years, Ilya has become enamored with the city’s sense of community. Outside the office, you might find him on a tennis court or enjoying the trails of Cameron Park. He appreciates the balance of nature and city life that Waco offers and is excited to watch the city continue to grow.
J.D., magna cum laude
B.A. in Political Science, summa cum laude
State Bar of Texas (2023-present)
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
Waco-McLennan County Bar Association (2025 – present)
Texas Trial Lawyers’ Association (2025 – present
Texas Bar College (2025 – present)