Thought Leadership / News
January 3, 2025 
 Press Releases
Gray Reed Attorney Jeff Leach Named 2024 Texan of the Year by Dallas Morning News

The Dallas Morning News has named Gray Reed attorney and Texas State Representative Jeff Leach a 2024 Texan of the Year for his groundbreaking work in criminal justice reform, recognizing his courage to reach across political party lines to protect the wrongfully convicted and improve the state's legal system.
 
The honor specifically acknowledges Leach's pivotal role in preventing the execution of death row inmate Robert Roberson III in October 2023. Hours before the scheduled execution, Leach left his son's birthday celebration at the State Fair of Texas to successfully argue, from his vehicle, for a stay of execution, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to justice even at personal sacrifice.
 
"Jeff's recognition as Texan of the Year reflects not only his exceptional legal acumen but also his moral courage to stand up for what's right, regardless of political consequences," Gray Reed Managing Partner Kyle Sanders said. "Whether he's serving our clients in complex litigation, helping them navigate our state’s legislative landscape or fighting for justice reform in Austin, Jeff brings the same dedication to finding practical, ethical solutions."
 
At Gray Reed, Leach focuses on complex commercial litigation and construction law, serving as outside general counsel to major contractors and construction clients. His unique position as both a practicing attorney and state legislator gives him valuable insight into Texas' legal and regulatory landscape, benefiting clients across all practice areas.
 
The Dallas Morning News chose Leach, alongside Democratic State Representative Joe Moody, for their bipartisan leadership of the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus and their successful efforts to create a more balanced and fair justice system in Texas. Their work has included reforming the "law of parties" doctrine and creating second-chance opportunities for inmates, initiatives that strengthen public safety while protecting individual rights.

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.