Yetter Coleman is proud to share that Paul Yetter has been named by Texas Lawyer as its Attorney of the Year. The honor, which recognizes lawyers or judges whose work makes a distinct impact on the law and legal profession in Texas, was announced on September 13 at the publication’s Professional Excellence award event in Dallas.
Paul was nominated for the award based on his tireless work leading the fight in M.D. v. Abbott, the Texas foster care reform case that he and a group of firm, nonprofit, and other private lawyers have pursued for 11 years. The result, a landmark ruling by U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack in which she found that Texas Children “almost uniformly leave state custody more damaged than they entered,” confirmed the constitutional rights of 12,000 Texas foster children, and set into motion appointment of two experts, which has since been upheld by the Fifth Circuit, who are recommending a blueprint for reform.
“This is a wonderful night for Paul, the Yetter family, and our firm,” notes Collin Cox, partner, adding, “We are very proud of him, and the entire team of firm lawyers who have donated many hours of their work over more than a decade in pursuit of reforming the State’s foster care system.”