Looking Back on the DBA

Notable events going on throughout the state and nation included Sarah T. Hughes making history to became the state’s first female District Judge. In 1935, she accepted an appointment as a state judge from Governor James Allred for the 14th District Court in Dallas, allowing her to preside over trials in which women were not yet allowed to sit as jurors. Judge Hughes was re-elected and remained at that post until 1960.

The DBA ended the 1950s having established both the Lawyer Referral Service and the Dallas Legal Aid Society. Both of these programs still exist today in some form and have grown exponentially, not only to provide legal services to the community, but also to help Dallas residents living in poverty receive free legal services. HN

The story and timeline continue in each issue of Headnotes this year. Look for part three in the March issue.