Acknowledgments

The idea for a book regarding the history of women lawyers in Texas began in 2004 when I was asked to give a speech about the women who paved the way for women lawyers practicing today. In researching, I discovered fascinating stories about the pioneers from other parts of the country but realized there was very little research regarding the female lawyers in Texas. Thus, the idea for a book was born.

The Women in the Profession Committee of the State Bar of Texas has the mission to report on the status of the women lawyers of Texas so this history project seemed a perfect fit. The committee decided to have a book written without any idea of how to do it.

First, we applied to the Texas Bar Foundation for a grant to fund the project and received $7500 as seed money. We funded the remainder of the project through donations from the following firms, corporations, bar associations, and individuals: Andrews Kurth, Baker Botts, Locke Liddell & Sapp, Vinson & Elkins, Houston Bar Association, Gregg County Bar Association, Jefferson County Bar Association, ExxonMobil, Shell Oil, B.J. Hemmeline, Nancy Rapoport, Deborah Penner, Leila Hobson, and Ellen Grimes. The enthusiastic response we received from everyone allowed the book to be researched and written.

Fortunately, we found and persuaded Betty Trapp Chapman, a noted historian, to write the book. She has devoted herself to the research and writing beyond the call of duty. As she researched, she became more and more excited about our history. She has completed the book as a labor of love and produced a product beyond our expectations.

The committee was fortunate in having TexasBarBooks agree to publish this book which is unique to the type of book it normally publishes. We would also like to thank Caren Blackwell and the Minority Affairs Department at the State Bar of Texas for their advice, patience, and encouragement.

We are so proud of our history which continues to unfold today and pleased that this story will be available to the public.

Ellen Elkins Grimes
Chair, History of Texas
Women Lawyers Project
Women in the Profession Committee
State Bar of Texas

Letter from the President of the State Bar of Texas