Gray Reed Corporate Restructuring & Bankruptcy Partner Amber Carson has been selected to receive the 2024 American Inns of Court Sandra Day O’Connor Award for Professional Service, which honors an American Inn of Court member in practice 10 years or fewer for their excellence in public interest or pro bono activities.

Carson has an “unparalleled dedication to living with purpose and intention by helping and supporting others and working towards a more diverse and inclusive legal community,” writes Omar J. Alaniz, president of the Hon. John C. Ford American Inn of Court, who nominated Carson for the award on behalf of the Inn. “Her passion for assisting others is unmatched.”

Carson is the Chair-Elect for the Bankruptcy Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, a Board Member for the American Bankruptcy Institute, and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Red River Region of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She previously served in other leadership roles on a national, state and local level. In addition to these roles, Carson established a scholarship for underrepresented law students interested in practicing bankruptcy law and co-founded and serves as director of the Southern Methodist University School of Law’s Pro Bono Project, pairing students with low-income clients. Carson also provides pro bono services through Texas Free Legal Answers and helps U-Visa applicants with the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas.

Jason Brookner, leader of the Corporate Restructuring & Bankruptcy Practice Group at Gray Reed, adds, “Amber’s commitment to her clients and the community exemplifies the highest standards of our profession. Her ability to turn personal adversity into a driving force for positive change is both inspiring and impactful.”

At Gray Reed, Carson represents debtors, creditors, official committees, trustees and other parties in interest in all facets of bankruptcy, creditors’ rights and federal bankruptcy-related litigation matters. She has guided clients in many different industries, including healthcare, retail, construction, oil and gas, restaurant and manufacturing to successful outcomes in many courts in Texas and across the country.

Carson will be presented the award at the American Inns of Court Celebration of Excellence at the Supreme Court of the United States on October 26, 2024.

About American Inns of Court

The American Inns of Court is dedicated to enhancing the quality of legal practice by promoting excellence, professionalism and ethical standards. Through mentorship and shared learning, the organization provides a platform for attorneys, judges and law students to develop both personally and professionally. The American Inns of Court envisions a legal profession characterized by integrity and competence. By fostering values of civility, respect and continuous improvement, the organization contributes to a more effective and just legal system.

About Gray Reed

Gray Reed isn't just a full-service Texas law firm – we strive to be the ultimate partner for businesses. With a comprehensive range of litigation and transactional practice groups focused on understanding our clients’ businesses and industries, our 150 attorneys are equipped to support companies, and high-net-worth individuals and families, based in Texas or operating within its borders. In addition, our commitment to clients goes beyond providing legal services. Through our subsidiary, Gray Reed Advisory Services, we further support our clients with a team of consultants providing strategic business solutions to drive measurable improvements in profitability, efficiency, operations and compliance, along with expertise in crisis communications, public relations and government affairs. Discover what sets us apart at www.grayreed.com and www.grayreedadvisory.com.