Supreme Court

June 24, 2024

Contact: Amy Starnes
Director of Public Affairs
512.463.1441 or email

Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht was honored by the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Access to Justice Commission with two separate awards at the 2024 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting.

Chief Hecht became the first recipient of an award named in his honor: The Nathan L. Hecht Access to Justice Leadership Award. Justice Brett Busby, the Court’s liaison to the Texas Access to the Justice Commission, presented Hecht with the award for his years-long efforts to assure that Texans living in poverty and others with limited means have access to basic civil legal services.

“Each time this award is presented it will serve as a testament to all you've accomplished as a servant leader and a call to action to continue advancing this vision that's so central to your legacy,” Justice Busby said.

According to the Texas Access to Justice Commission, the award will be conferred only when an individual of substantial achievement and leadership in championing access to justice for all is nominated.

Chief Hecht also received the State Bar of Texas 2024 President’s Award as designated by SBOT President Cindy Tisdale. Before conferring the award, Tisdale praised Hecht’s extraordinary career.

“He has diligently worked to secure congressional and legislative support for legal aid to veterans and their families, victims of domestic abuse, and families in jeopardy of losing their homes. Texas is a leader in these efforts due in large part to our distinguished Chief Justice,” Tisdale said.