County Attorney Press Releases

Assistant County Attorney Receives The Texas 2009 “Civil Practitioner Of The Year” Award

Lee Shapleigh honored by the Texas District and County Attorneys Association (TDCAA).

The Texas District and County Attorneys Association (TDCAA) presented El Paso Assistant County Attorney Lee Shapleigh with the 2009 "Gerald Summerford" award, in a ceremony held last week in Dallas, Texas.

The "Gerald Summerford Award," also known as the "Civil Practitioner of the Year" award, recognizes Texas lawyers with long and distinguished careers who practice in the civil arena.

Lee Shapleigh was recognized for her work as Assistant County Attorney in El Paso for over 25 years, in which she has been the person primarily responsible for advising El Paso County Commissioners Court on a daily basis. Throughout the years, Ms. Shapleigh has built a state-wide reputation for providing sound, accurate, objective and cool-headed legal advice.

Her knowledge and grasp of the law regarding the complex and changing nature of Texas county government has allowed her to become recognized all over Texas as an expert on many subjects - everything from tax policies to the proper way to dispose of sewage.

Ms. Shapleigh was also recognized for mentoring lawyers in the complexities, benefits, and challenges of public law practice and for recruiting many attorneys in private practice back into the public sector.

El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez said he is extremely proud of having such an experienced attorney working for the office.

"The quality of work that Ms. Shapleigh performs every day does not only help county officials and employees to make sound, legal decisions; it has also allowed the County of El Paso to protect taxpayer's money by preventing legal mistakes that could lead to the payment of expensive judgments," Rodriguez added.

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Summerford Award Press Release.pdf