Call us: 1.800.522.0216
Call us: 1.800.522.0216
As a fourth generation lawyer and a respected and accomplished attorney in Dallas, Debbie Dudley Branson has a strong family history in the law and a real commitment to her profession. She maintains a passionate belief that individual lawyers have an obligation to be community leaders, public servants, and forces for positive social change.
Since 1983, she has practiced with The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson as part of an experienced trial team on a full spectrum of cases. Much of her work is concentrated behind the scenes, focusing on litigation strategies that include focus groups, attitudinal surveys, jury selection, witness preparation, and jury debriefing.
“Many trials are won or lost before the lawyers even enter the courtroom,” says Ms. Branson. “Preparation for trial is key for success. We understand this and know that there is simply no substitute. Our team’s fervent will to win is an important factor, too.”
While collective preparation, brainpower, energy, and resources are all important for success, Ms. Branson says the firm’s namesake provides the key ingredient. “The real difference stems from Frank. He brings a bold, creative approach to case preparation and encourages each of us to think creatively as we prepare for trial.”
Arkansas State University, B.S.E. 1977, Student of Special Distinction
University of Arkansas, J.D. 1980, Distinguished Law Student Award
University of Texas at Dallas, M.S. 1993
Arkansas State District Courts
Texas State District Courts
U.S. District Court, Western District of Arkansas
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
U.S. Supreme Court
Texas Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice (formerly Association of Trial Lawyers of America)
Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association Arkansas Bar Association American Bar Association State Bar of Texas Dallas Bar Association
Dallas Women Lawyers Association College of the State Bar of Texas 112th American Inn of Court, Dallas American Society of Writers on Legal Subjects The Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism American Society of Trial Consultants American Bar Foundation, Fellow Arkansas Bar Foundation, Fellow Texas Bar Foundation, Life Fellow
Co-author of numerous articles relating to trial techniques and demonstrative evidence for such magazines as TRIAL, and Litigation and Products Liability
Editor of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association Forum, 1991 – 1994
Federal Aviation Management Advisory Council
Board member, 2002 – 2003; Council created to provide advice and counsel to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and to function as an oversight resource for matters under the jurisdiction of the FAA.
Securities Investor Protection Corporation
Acting Chair, Board of Trustees, 2001 – 2002; Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, 1995 -2001; Agency established to promote public confidence in the nation’s securities markets by guaranteeing the return of property within certain limits to investors if securities firms fail. SIPC is a member- financed, private, nonprofit corporation.
Chair, Budget Committee; $73.5 million revenue (2000); $1.2 billion reserve (Feb. 2001).
Chair, Select Committee on Rate and Policy Form Regulation, 1994
Interim committee established to study insurance rate and policy form regulation in the state of Texas including:
1. Effects of changes in insurance regulation previously made;
2. Degree of competition in insurance industry; and
3. Availability of motor vehicle insurance, number of uninsured drivers, and number of drivers insured through TAIPA to determine if certain geographic areas are under served.
Texas Judicial Council (1992 – 1997)
Agency charged by statute with studying and gathering statistics on the organization, rules, procedures and practice, work accomplished, results, and uniformity of the discretionary powers of the state courts and methods for improvement.
Contributor to various organizations which represent commitment to social and political issues.
Communities Foundation of Texas
Parkland Health & Hospital System
UT Southwestern University Hospitals & Clinics
UT Dallas Center for Children and Families, Advisory Council, 2009 – present Dallas Women’s Museum
Dallas Women’s Foundation
Planned Parenthood
Annie’s List Luncheon 2012, Honorary Chair Women’s Leadership Forum (Democratic National Committee) – Texas Chair, 1997 – 1999 Garry Mauro for Governor Campaign, Finance Chair, 1998 New York Senate, National Finance Board, 2000 Democratic National Committee – Managing Trustee, 1992 – 1993; 1996 – 1997 Emily’s List – Majority Council, Trustee, 1996 League of Women Voters of Dallas Dallas County Democratic Party – Finance Council Dallas Democratic Forum – Advisory Board
National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse – Board of Directors, 1993 -1996; Chair, Long Range Planning Committee, 1995; Co-Chair, Campaign for Healthy Families – Board Fund Division, 1996
Dallas CASA – Special Advocate for two foster children
Leadership Council – Campaign for Equal Access, 1999 & 2000
Contact 214 – Telephone Counselor, 1992; Board of Directors, 1992 – 1993; Chair, Distinguished Lecture Series, 1994
AIDS Interfaith Network – Board of Directors, 1993
Junior League of Dallas – Sustainer
Daughters of the American Revolution – Public Relations Chairman, 1991 – 1992; Corresponding Secretary, 1992 – 1994
2017 Susan B. Anthony Award honoring a woman who exemplifies the characteristics of Susan B. Anthony – independence, persistence, determination, and dedication in obtaining equal rights for all
Selected as one of 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers by Lawdragon, 2019-2024
The National Law Journal and The Trial Lawyer as Products Liability Trial Team of the Year, 2018
The Best Lawyers in America, Personal Injury Litigation, 2012-2025
The Best Lawyers in America, Texas Women Best Lawyers, 2014
Texas Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2007-2012, 2014-2024
Best Lawyers in Dallas, D Magazine, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Recipient of The Linz Award, 2016, by the Dallas Morning News
Northwood Women’s Club Gala Honorary Chair, 2015
Texas Healthcare Trustees Star Award, 2015
Maura Women Helping Women Award, 2014
Modern Healthcare Magazine, Trustee of the Year, 2014
Women That Soar Award, 2012
Gayle Pettus Pontz Award, University of Arkansas School of Law, 2011
Inspiring Women Panelist, 2011
Best Women Lawyers in Dallas, D Magazine, 2010
Women in Excellence Award by the YWCA and Women’s Enterprise magazine, 2007
University of Texas at Dallas Achievement Award, 2005
University of Texas at Dallas Achievement Award – Leadership America, 1997
Women in Leadership Conference, Honorary Chai, 1996
AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
Nominee for Laurel Award
Married to Frank L. Branson, founder of The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson. The Branson’s two children, Jennifer and Buck, are graduates of Southern Methodist University Law School.
