Deborah Williamson Receives 2026 Michelle Mendez Serviam Award from The Center for American and International Law

Dykema, a leading national law firm, proudly announces that Deborah D. Williamson has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Michelle Mendez Serviam Award from Texas, presented by The Center for American and International Law (CAIL), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing justice through legal education and professional development.

Created in 2015, the Michelle Mendez Serviam Award honors bankruptcy professionals who have persistently demonstrated exceptional contributions to others in the profession and community. The award is presented annually to one recipient from each of the three Fifth Circuit states in recognition of professional leadership, pro bono service, bar involvement, and community engagement. “Serviam,” meaning “I will serve,” reflects the spirit of the award and its namesake.

Williamson will be recognized at the Fifth Circuit Bankruptcy Bench-Bar Conference, held March 26–27 in New Orleans.

For more than 40 years, Williamson has advised clients on complex bankruptcy and restructuring matters across industries. She is widely regarded as a leader in the field, with deep experience in bankruptcy litigation, counter-party risk, and asset acquisition. Her career includes service as President of the American Bankruptcy Institute and as a member of its Bankruptcy Reform Commission, as well as leadership roles across numerous professional organizations.

Her contributions have earned lifetime achievement awards from the American Bankruptcy Institute and the San Antonio Business Journal, as well as recognition from Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America, and Super Lawyers.

Williamson earned a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center and a B.A., with honors, from The University of Texas at El Paso.