Our firm is deeply saddened by the loss of our partner, beloved friend, mentor and fearless advocate, Darrell E. Jordan, who passed away at the age of 80 on January 30, 2019.
Darrell was a trailblazer and true leader in the legal profession for decades. He was a tireless champion of diversity and a passionate advocate for equal access to justice. He devoted his life to the pursuit of helping others, with particular regard for the less fortunate and under-represented.
Through his dedication, Darrell helped pave the way at the State Bar of Texas, spearheading innovative initiatives and programs, including those that assisted individuals in need with the provision of accessible free legal services.
His legacy includes an entire generation of talented and committed lawyers who developed their skills under his guidance at several major Texas law firms, ours included.
With his passing, he leaves behind a remarkable legal career accompanied by numerous awards, recognitions and achievements bestowed upon him by the Dallas Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas, the American Bar Association, and the Texas Bar Foundation, to name a few. He also was president of the State Bar of Texas in 1989-1990, after serving as president of the Dallas Bar Association in 1982. Among the noteworthy recognitions honoring Darrell’s dedication to his profession and public service are the Texas Bar Foundation’s “Outstanding 50-Year Lawyer”, The Texas Lawbook’s “Lions of the Bar” Award (which acknowledges 50 of the most successful Texas lawyers of the past half-century), the Texas Appleseed Foundation’s “Good Apple” Award, the Texas Access to Justice Commission’s “Stars of Justice” Award, and the Dallas Lawyers Auxiliary’s “Justinian” Award.
Living his life to the fullest, our “Uncle Darrell” was passionate about the practice of law, was a riveting storyteller and had a wickedly funny sense of humor. He was a fiercely loyal colleague, advisor and friend who adored every member of his immediate and extended family. His positive and inspiring influence will undoubtedly be remembered by generations of Texans for many years to come.