Banco Rotto

This award is presented to a Texas bankruptcy legend who has had a lasting impact on the development of the Texas bankruptcy practice. It is the Section’s highest and most distinguished award.

“Banco Rotto” is Italian for “broken bench” and is the earliest phrase that is associated with the concept of bankruptcy, and is the phrase from which our English term “bankruptcy” is derived. Just as we can trace the origins of bankruptcy to this phrase, the Bankruptcy Law Section honors the recipients of the Banco Rotto award for their contributions to, and their lasting impact on, the bankruptcy profession.

• 2023 - Myron M. "Mickey" Sheinfeld
• 2021 - The Honorable Ronald B. King 
• 2019 - Robert Albergotti 
• 2017 - Robin Phelan
• 2016 - The Honorable Harlin D. Hale
• 2015 - The Honorable Richard Schmidt
• 2014 - ProfessorJay Westbrook
• 2013 - The Honorable Carolyn King
• 2012 - The Honorable John C. Akard
• 2011 - The Honorable Robert McGuire
• 2010 - The Honorable Larry Kelly
• 2009 - The Honorable Bill Brister
• 2008 - The Honorable Dean M. Gandy

Robert B. Wilson Distinguished Service

This prestigious award, named in honor of Robert B. Wilson, the first chair of the State Bar of Texas Bankruptcy Law Section, is presented “in deep gratitude for tireless efforts and unceasing dedication and service to the Bankruptcy Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.”

• 2023 - Timothy A. Million
• 2021 - The Honorable Joshua Searcy 
• 2019 - Bill Wallander 
• 2017 - Charlie Beckham
• 2016 - The Honorable Craig Gargotta
• 2015 - Layla Milligan
• 2014 - Eddie Rodriguez
• 2013 - Eric Terry
• 2012 - Mark Andrews/ Tom Rice
• 2011 - Michael McConnell
• 2010 - Elizabeth Guffy
• 2009 - Michelle Mendez
• 2008 - The Honorable Bill Parker
• 2006 - The Honorable Harlin D. Hale
• 2005 - Debbie Langehennig

Michelle A. Mendez Award of Excellence

The Michelle A. Mendez Award of Excellence was started in 2015 – Deborah B. Langehennig was the first recipient. Prior to 2015, it was called the Outstanding Service Award, and was awarded annually “to a member of the bankruptcy bar who is selected for his or her outstanding service to the Bankruptcy Law Section.”

• 2023 - Katharine Clark
• 2021 - Elizabeth Smith 
• 2019 - The Honorable Barbara Houser 
• 2017 - Judith Ross
• 2016 - Deborah Williamson
• 2015 - Debbie Langehennig

Outstanding service

This award was presented annually to a member of the bankruptcy bar who is selected for his or her outstanding service to the Bankruptcy Law Section.  The award has been replaced with the Michelle A. Mendez Award of Excellence.

• 2014 - Julianne Parker
• 2013 - Bert Conly
• 2012 - The Honorable Richard. S. Schmidt
• 2011 - Bill Wallander
• 2010 - Tim Million
• 2009 - Tom Howley

John C. Akard Community Service

In 2009, the Bankruptcy Law Section established an award in the name of the Honorable John C. Akard (retired – Lubbock) to honor current/former practitioners for outstanding achievement and service in the field of bankruptcy.

• 2023 - Michael A. McConnell
• 2021 - Deborah B. Lanngehennig 
• 2019 - The Honorable Jeff Bohm 
• 2017 - Russell Munsch
• 2016 - Robin Russell
• 2015 - The Honorable Brenda Rhoades
• 2014 - Travis Torrence
• 2013 - Beth Smith
• 2012 - The Honorable Bill G. Parker
• 2011 - Omar Alaniz
• 2010 - Mary Daffin
• 2009 - John C. Akard
• 2008 - Henry Flores

Pro Bono Service

This award is presented to an attorney for promoting pro bono bankruptcy law practice in Texas.

• 2023 - US Legal Pro
• 2021 - Sean Flynn 
• 2019 - Brian Cummings and Alicia Grant 
• 2017 - Deborah B. Langehennig
• 2016 - Michael Cooley
• 2015 - Marcy Kurtz
• 2014 - Mike Anglin
• 2013 - Byrnie Bass
• 2012 - Tom Black
• 2011 - Eddie Rodriguez

Romina L. Mulloy-Bossio Achievement (YLC)

This award is given to an outstanding young bankruptcy attorney who has made contributions to community service, pro bono activities, and/or furthering efforts to encourage and support other young bankruptcy attorneys in their community and at large.

• 2023 - Amber Fly
• 2021 - Amber Carson 
• 2019 - Jessica Voyce Lewis 
• 2017 - David Eastlake
• 2016 - Katherine Hopkins
• 2015 - Katie D. Grissel
• 2014 - Joshua P. Searcy
• 2013 - Sara Keith
• 2012 - Layla D. Milligan
• 2011 - Frances Smith
• 2010 - Omar Alaniz

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• 2023 - Amber Carson

Special Recognition

• 2023 - Frank Heuszel
• 2021 - The Honorable Bill Parker 
• 2015 - Kay Walker
• 2014 - Michael Baumer