Deborah has been recognized for excellence in every facet of her legal career – as a jurist, appellate lawyer, and most recently in the field of dispute resolution. Her work in the area of access to justice also has been heralded. Deborah brings the same high level of competence and commitment to each element of her comprehensive conflict resolution practice.
The honors Deborah has received include:
- Best Lawyers in America, Dallas Arbitration Lawyer of the Year (2019)
- Best Lawyers in America, Arbitration (2016-2022), Mediation (2016-2022)
- National Law Journal, ADR Champions (2016)
- AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
- Best Lawyers in America, Appellate Law (2008-2022)
- Best Lawyers in America, Dallas Appellate Lawyer of the Year (2012)
- Chambers USA (2007-2016)
- Benchmark Litigation (2016-2018)
- Benchmark Appellate (2013)
- Lawdragon, 500 Leading Lawyers in America (2010-2011, 2014-2015)
- Texas Trial Legend, Dallas Bar Association, Tort and Insurance Practice Section (2015)
- Texas Lawyer, Professional Excellence Award: Lifetime Achievers (2016)
- Texas’ Top Rated Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell and ALM (2012-2016)
- Texas Lawyer, “Winning Women” (2011)
- Texas Super Lawyers (2003-2021), Thomson Reuters legal division
- Texas Super Lawyers, Top 10 in Texas (2011-2012, 2014-2021), Second overall in Texas (2012, 2019), Third overall in Texas (2015, 2017-2018), Thomson Reuters legal division
- Texas Super Lawyers, Top 100 in Texas (2005, 2008-2021), Thomson Reuters legal division
- Texas Super Lawyers, Top 50 Women (2003-2021), Thomson Reuters legal division
- Texas Super Lawyers, DFW Top 100 (2004, 2005, 2007-2021), Thomson Reuters legal division
- D Magazine, Best Lawyers in Dallas (2003, 2005, 2007-2009, 2011-2022)
- D Magazine, Best Women Lawyers (2010)
- Dallas Business Journal, “The Defenders” Top Business Defense Lawyers (2009)
- Texas Lawyer Go-To Guide (2007)
- Merrill L. Hartman Award, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, Inc. (2003)
- Ann Clarke Snell Award, Women’s Advocacy Project (2003)
- Harold F. Kleinman Award, Texas Access to Justice Foundation (2002)
- Ma’at Justice Award, Women in the Law Section, State Bar of Texas (2002)
- Presidential Citation, State Bar of Texas (2001)
- Travis County Women Lawyers’ Association, Outstanding Achievement Award (2001)
- Judge of the Year, American Board of Trial Advocates, Texas Chapter (1999)
- Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Texas Dallas (2017)
- Distinguished Alumni Award for Judicial Service, SMU Dedman School of Law (2002)
