tottenhamThe Texas Chapters of the American Board of Trial Advocates recognized several individuals at its annual dinner and CLE this month for their efforts in preserving and protecting the right to a civil jury trial.

TEX-ABOTA is compromised of defense and plaintiff attorneys who are committed to the preservation and protection of the U.S. Constitution’s 7th Amendment right, and the Texas Constitution’s right, to a jury trial in civil cases and to an independent and impartial judiciary.

Past State Bar President Terry O. Tottenham of Austin was among those honored at the organization’s annual event in Sante Fe, New Mexico, on June 9-12, receiving the Trial Lawyer of the Year Award.

Tottenham, of counsel to Norton Rose Fulbright US, served for many years as a partner in the firm, then Fulbright and Jaworski, including as head partner of its Austin office and partner in charge of its pharmaceutical and medical device litigation practice group.

Ken Tekell of Houston, a longtime friend of Tottenham’s, presented the award.

TEX-ABOTA named Hon. Mary Lou Robinson, a senior judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Amarillo, its Jurist of the Year for exemplifying fairness, impartiality, and a commitment to U.S. and Texas constitutional rights to a jury trial.

Mark Cuban, businessman and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, received the Champion of Justice Award for his long fight against insider trading charges brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission in which he prevailed after a jury cleared him. The award is given periodically to a litigant who shows “courage and commitment beyond their own lawsuit” and protects, defends, and preserves the constitutional right to jury trials, according to TEX-ABOTA.

Photo: Past State Bar President Terry O. Tottenham (right) with Ken Tekell of Houston after accepting his award for Trial Lawyer of the Year. Photograph courtesy of TEX-ABOTA.