Supreme Court
February 24, 2025
Contact: Amy Starnes
Director of Public Affairs
512.463.1441 or email
Senior Justice Debra Lehrmann Honored with the Samuel Pessarra Outstanding Jurist Award
AUSTIN—The Texas Bar Foundation has named Senior Justice Debra H. Lehrmann the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Samuel Pessarra Outstanding Jurist Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the Texas judiciary.
The award is given annually to an active federal or state judge who has an exceptional reputation for competency, efficiency, and integrity. Originally established in 1987, the Outstanding Jurist Award was renamed in 1995 after Samuel Pessarra, a Baylor University School of Law graduate and dedicated legal professional who served the Brazoria County Bar Association as president, director, and secretary. Nominees for this award must have served on the bench for at least 10 years.
In announcing the award, Texas Bar Foundation Executive Director Baillie Milliken wrote to Justice Lehrmann, “Your distinguished career and steadfast service to both the bar and the community exemplify the values this award represents. Your unwavering commitment to professionalism, integrity, and service stands as an inspiration to us all and truly honors the legacy of the Samuel Pessarra Outstanding Jurist Award and of our mission.”
Senior Justice Lehrmann said she is humbled beyond words by this incredible honor. “The values the Samuel Pessarra Outstanding Jurist Award represents are guiding principles for all judges. I am deeply grateful to the Texas Bar Foundation for this recognition and will work daily to uphold these ideals," she said.
Senior Justice Lehrmann is the Court’s longest-serving woman Justice in Texas history. She was first appointed by then-Governor Rick Perry in 2010 and immediately won election to her seat later that year. She has since been re-elected twice to six-year terms. A fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and the American Bar Foundation, Justice Lehrmann has served the bar in leadership capacities on both the state and national levels.
The Texas Bar Foundation will formally recognize Senior Justice Lehrmann and convey the award at its Annual Dinner on June 20, 2025.