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Notable Cases

In re Stephanie Lee

May A Judge Set Aside A Mediated Agreement Based Upon A Child’s Best Interests?

In arguably the most consequential family law case in recent history, Clint Lawson represented a father before the Texas Supreme Court on the disputed issue of whether a trial judge has discretion to set aside a properly signed mediated settlement agreement based upon a child’s best interests. In this instance, the father objected to the entry of a final order on a mediated agreement that was not in the child’s best interests. The Court determined that parents presumptively act in their children’s best interests and parties are entitled to judgement on a properly signed mediated settlement agreement. Therefore, a trial judge has no discretion to set aside a properly signed mediated settlement agreement based upon a child’s best interests.
Cause No. 11-0732

In re Stephanie Lee (11-0732) from Harris County and the 14th District Court of Appeals, Houston. For relator: Scott Rothenberg, Houston. For real party in interest: Clinton F. Lawson, San Antonio. The principal issue is whether a judge has discretion to set aside a properly signed mediated settlement agreement based upon the child’s best interests. The trial court, considering the father’s testimony, found the settlement not in the child’s best interest and refused to enforce it. Lee, the mother, argued that the only statutory exception to enforcing a mediated settlement is when family violence can be shown. The court of appeals affirmed. The Supreme Court of Texas heard the case February 28, 2012 and delivered their opinion September 27, 2013.
Additional Reading

Council, John. “Mediated Settlement Agreements Trump Inquiries into Best Interests of Child, Texas Supreme Court Rules in 'In Re Stephanie Lee'.” Texas Lawyer, ALM | Law.com, 27 Sept. 2013,
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Justice Debra H. Lehrmann, “Protecting Our Children: The Legacy of In Re Lee.” State Bar of Texas, Texas Bar Journal, Sept. 2017,
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Awards & Recognition
Clinton F. Lawson received the honor of becoming a Member of the Supreme Court Bar in April, 2014.
Pictured: Clint Lawson with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 2014.
Clint Lawson strongly believes in the equality before the law and equal access to justice. These beliefs are born out through action in the community. In addition to providing pro bono hours to those in need and a “Pro Bono Partner” to the Disability Rights Texas. Clint advises those clients lacking financial support on the numerous free legal aid available. Please see the Legal Resources & Aid webpage of this site for more information.
Clint was presented the Gulf Coast Family Law Specialist award in recognition of outstanding service as a Board Member of said organization.
Clint remains an active member in the community and continues to be civically involved in such issues as reducing domestic and family violence.
Andrea L. B. Brooks has shared this same commitment in the campaign against family violence. From 2014—2018 Andrea served as a Board Member of the Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc.
Pictured: Clint standing behind the mayor, judges and local civic leaders for a news conference regarding the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence’s two year report.
Source: ExpressNews.com

Our attorneys are consistently awarded and noted for their legal work:

  • "Texas Super Lawyer," (per selection by Thompson Reuters) as published in Texas Monthly Magazine, 2013 through 2022
  • "Top Attorneys in Texas," as published in Texas Monthly Magazine, 2013
  • "Best Lawyer," as published in S.A. Scene Magazine, 2012 through 2022
  • "Top 50 Attorneys," (Central & West Texas Region) as published in Texas monthly Magazine, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022
  • "AV Pre-eminent Peer Review Rating," Martindale-Hubbell
  • “Top Family Lawyers,” S.A. Scene Magazine
  • “Top Rated Family Law Attorney,” Super Lawyers
  • “Rising Stars,” Super Lawyers 2016-2021