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As a fourth generation attorney, Debbie
Dudley Branson has a strong family history and understanding
of what it means to be a lawyer. She was raised to believe
that lawyers can and should be community leaders, public servants,
and the impetus for positive social change.
Since 1983, she has practiced with the Law Offices of Frank
L. Branson, P.C. and works as part of an experienced trial
team on a full spectrum of cases. Her work is concentrated
behind the scenes, focusing on litigation strategy for cases
which include focus groups, attitudinal surveys, voir dire,
witness preparation, argument and jury debriefing.
Keys to Winning a Case
Branson says the work done by their trial
team is as good as you'll find anywhere. "Everyone here understands
hard work. There is tenacity, a strong belief in the case
of a client, the will to win, and the financial resources
that are needed in each and every case."
According to Branson, preparation, brainpower,
energy and resources are all important keys to good results
for clients, but, "[t]he real difference stems from Frank.
He brings a bold, creative approach to case preparation. He
thinks outside the box, pushing everyone to think creatively."
That is a rare quality in law offices. "Our firm should be
considered in any major litigation based on the depth of experience,
the level of commitment, the trial team approach and the willingness
to stand tall when it counts."
Commitment to the Community
Through the years, Branson has worked continuously
in her chosen profession and in the community, where she readily
assumes roles where she can work toward positive change -
both professionally and civically. Her accomplishments are
many: she is the past President and a Fellowship Member of
the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. On a national level,
she recently completed service as Acting Chair, Board of Trustees
and Chair, Budget Committee of the Securities Investor Protection
Corporation. She also served on the Federal Aviation Management
Advisory Council. In addition, she was Vice-Chair of the List
Committee and a member of the List Advisory Committee of The
Association of Trial Lawyers of America. She has also served
as President of the Dallas Women's Foundation, Secretary of
the Executive Committee of Planned Parenthood and Texas Chair
of the Women's Leadership Forum for the Democratic National
Committee.
Education
-
Arkansas State University, B.S.E. l977, Student of Special
Distinction
- University
of Arkansas, J.D. 1980, Distinguished Law Student Award
- University
of Texas at Dallas, M.S. 1993
Experience
Law Offices of Frank L. Branson,
P.C., Dallas, Texas, 1983
- present
-
Personal injury trial practice.
Arnold, Lavender, Rochelle, Barnette
& Franks, Texarkana,
Arkansas, 1980 - 1983
-
Engaged in the general practice of law.
Professional licenses
- Licensed to practice in Texas and
Arkansas.
Professional Affiliations
Participation and leadership in various
professional organizations
including:
- Texas Trial Lawyers Association
• Fellowship member
• Political Chair, Executive
Committee (2002-2003)
• President (2000)
• Treasurer, Executive Committee
- Officer of the organization directly responsible for management
of budget (1996-1998).
• Board of Directors - Oversees
direction and operation of organization (1994-present).
• Trustee, TTLA Benefit Trust
- One of the trustees responsible for management of Trust
purchasing and providing health care insurance coverage for
member participants (1996-1997). Trust terminated in 1997.
• SMU Law School Chapter Advisory
Board (1998 - present)
- Association of Trial Lawyers of
America
• Board of Governors (2006-present)
•
Sustaining Member
• Vice-Chair, List Committee
(2003-2005, 1999-2000)
• Co-Chair, List Committee (2000-2003)
• Co-Chair, List Advisory Committee
(2000-2001)
• Key Persons Committee (2003-2006,
1998-99)
• List Advisory Committee (1998-99)
• List Committee (2005-08)
• ATLA PAC Board of Trustees
(1999-2002)
• State Liaison, Women Trial
Lawyers Caucus (2002-2003)
• 2003 & 1999 Wiedeman/Wysocki
Award
• Roscoe Pound Institute, Sustaining
Fellow
• President's Club
- Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association
- Arkansas Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- State Bar of Texas
- Dallas Bar Association
• Juror Participation Committee
(2001)
• Publications Committee (1990)
- Dallas Women Lawyers Association
- College of the State Bar of Texas
- 112th American Inn of Court, Dallas
- American Society of Writers on Legal Subjects
- The Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism
- American Society of Trial Consultants
- Texas Bar Foundation, Life Fellow
- Arkansas Bar Foundation, Fellow
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Gubernatorial and Presidential Appointments
- Federal Aviation Management Advisory
Council
• Board Member, 2000-2003.
Council created to provide advice and counsel to the Administrator
of the Federal Aviation Administration and to function as
an oversight resource for matters under the jurisdiction of
the FAA.
- Securities Investor Protection
Corporation
• Acting Chair, Board
of Trustees (2001-2002); Vice Chair, Board of Trustees,
(1995-2001). Agency established to promote public confidence
in the nation's securities markets by guaranteeing the return
of property within certain limits to investors if securities
firms fail. SIPC is a member-financed, private, nonprofit
corporation.
• Chair, Budget Committee. $73.5
million revenue (2000); $1.2 billion reserve (Feb. 2001).
- Chair, Select Committee on Rate
and Policy Form Regulation (1994)
• Interim committee
established to study insurance rate and policy form regulation
in the state of Texas including:
- Effects
of changes in insurance regulation previously made;
- Degree
of competition in insurance industry; and
- Availability
of motor vehicle insurance, number of uninsured drivers,
and number of drivers insured through TAIPA to determine
if certain geographic areas are underserved.
- Texas Judicial Council (1992-1997)
• Agency charged by
statute with studying and gathering statistics on the organization,
rules, procedures and practice, work accomplished, results,
and uniformity of the discretionary powers of the state courts
and methods for improvement.
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Publications
Co-author of various articles relating to
trial techniques and demonstrative evidence for such magazines
as TRIAL, Litigation and Products Liability.
Editor of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association Forum
from 1991-1994.
Civic, Charitable, Political
Contributor to various organizations which
represent commitment to social and political issues involving
women, child abuse, choice, and the election of Democrats.
- Dallas Women's Foundation
• President (1999)
• President-Elect (1998, Executive
Committee)
• Chair, Nominating Committee
(1997, Executive Committee)
• Board of Directors (1994-1999)
• Advisory Council (2002-2005)
- Planned Parenthood
• Secretary (1998-1999, Executive
Committee)
• Investment Advisory Committee
(1998-present)
• Board of Directors (1995-2001)
- Women's Leadership Forum (Democratic
National Committee), Texas Chair (1997-1999)
- Garry Mauro for Governor Campaign, Finance
Chair (1998)
- New York Senate, National Finance Board
(2000)
- Democratic National Committee, Managing
Trustee (1992-93, 1996-1997)
- Emily's List, Majority Council; Trustee
(1996)
- League of Women Voters of Dallas
- Dallas County Democratic Party, Finance
Council
- Dallas Democratic Forum, Advisory Board
- Dallas
Women's Museum, Board Member (2006-2007)
• Chair, Annual Giving Campaign 2007
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Representation of additional activities
National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse,
Board of Directors, 1993-96; Chair, Long
Range Planning Committee, 1995; Co-Chair, Campaign for Healthy
Families-Board Fund Division, 1996
Dallas CASA, Special Advocate for two foster children
Leadership Council-Campaign for Equal Access 2000,
1999
Contact 214, Telephone Counselor 1992; Board of Directors,
1992-93; Chair, Distinguished Lecture
Series, 1994
AIDS Interfaith Network, Board of Directors, 1993
Junior League of Dallas, Sustainer
Daughters of American Revolution, Public Relations
Chairman, 1991, 1992; Corresponding Secretary
1992-94
Honors
- Named by Texas Monthly as one of the top 100 Super Lawyers in 2007
- 2007 Women in Excellence Award
- 2005 University of Texas at Dallas Achievement Award
- Leadership America - 1997
- Leadership Dallas - 1994
- 1996 Women in Leadership Conference, Honorary Chair
- Nominee for Laurel Award
Personal
Married to Frank L. Branson, owner of the law firm of Frank L. Branson, P.C.,
which began in 1981 and specializes in personal injury litigation. Frank
is an avid hunter, golfer and antique gun collector. Debbie enjoys hiking,
reading and adding to her various antique collections. They enjoy international
travel and experiencing the cultural differences of people around the world. The
Bransons have two children: Jennifer, 34, and Buck, 32, both graduates
of Southern Methodist University Law School.
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