Dallas Bar Foundation's (DBF) Fellows Program
Dallas Bar Foundation (DBF) Fellows are the sustaining force behind the Dallas Bar Association's philanthropic efforts. The Fellows are perpetual sponsors for scholarships, clinics, special events, issue advocacy, and other charitable grants of the DBF.
When someone is designated a DBF Fellow, his or her name is forever associated with the tenets of our mission: law-related education; legal services for the poor; historical preservation; and furtherance of justice.
About the DBF Fellows Program
Fellowships are awarded only to Dallas Bar Association members who embody DBF virtues. Election to the Fellows is evidence of professional distinction and constitutes a professional honor. Fellows are attorneys who have demonstrated a high ethical standard and a commitment to the cause of justice and the welfare of the community.
Fellows Designations
Life Benefactor Fellow
achieved when the total contribution has reached $5000
Life Fellow
achieved when the total contribution has reached $1500
Life Patron Fellow
achieved when the total contribution has reached $2500
Fellow
makes a commitment to contribute $150 per year / 10 years
Sustaining Life Fellow
achieved when the total contribution has reached $1650 and continues to contribute $150 or more per year after
Life Senior Fellow
60 years or older and makes a one time contribution of $750 or $150 per year over 5 years
At the beginning of each year, current DBF Fellows may nominate attorneys to be elected as Fellows. The nomination form is available online (Fellows Nomination Form). The nominee receives an invitation to submit a Fellows Application Form and Fellows Pledge Form to the DBF. The DBF Fellows Chair submits the name for approval to the DBF Board of Trustees. Each new DBF Fellow is introduced each year at the Annual Fellows Luncheon and is recognized in the luncheon program.
Annual Fellows Justinian Award
The Fellows Justinian Award is the most prestigious honor of the Dallas Bar Foundation and is presented each year at the Annual Fellows Luncheon in honor of an attorney who has achieved and consistently demonstrated the highest levels of professional excellence in a substantive area of the law.
2024 Fellows Justinian Award Recipient
Hon. Harlin D. Hale, retired
Arbitrator, Mediator, Special Master, JAMS
United States Bankruptcy Court - Northern District of Texas:
Chief Judge, 2020- 2022; Judge 2002- 2020
Chairman, Bankruptcy Section, State Bar of Texas, 2011-2012
Bankruptcy Inn Alliance Distinguished Service Award, American Inns of Court, 2021
Judge William L. Norton Jr. Judicial Excellence Award, American Bankruptcy Institute, 2019
