Leigha Simonton Selected for the Texas Council on Family Violence Board of Directors

Dykema is proud to announce that the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) has chosen Leigha Simonton to serve as a member of its Board of Directors. TCFV selected Simonton because, as the former United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, she led efforts to expand federal prosecution strategies targeting domestic abusers and collaborated with partners across the public and nonprofit sectors to enhance survivor safety.

“The Texas Council on Family Violence is honored that Leigha Simonton has chosen to lend her expertise and insight to our mission. She brings not only a deep understanding of the legal and systemic challenges surrounding domestic violence, but also a genuine commitment to improving the lives of survivors,” said Gloria Aguilera Terry, CEO of TCFV. “Her experience navigating federal policy and working alongside community partners will be invaluable as we continue strengthening support and safety for families across Texas.”

Simonton spent nearly 20 years with the U.S. Department of Justice, including two years as the presidentially appointed U.S. Attorney. Under her leadership, the district fought relentlessly for justice, trying its highest number of cases in over a decade. During her tenure, she oversaw federal prosecutions across a 100-county region with a population exceeding eight million. She led efforts to expand the office’s Domestic Violence Initiative, which used federal statutes to prosecute individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses, including illegal firearm possession and cyberstalking. In this area, she is most widely known in the domestic violence field for her work on the U.S. v. Rahimi case, which she oversaw from the time it originated in her district until the Supreme Court ruled a majority 8-1 vote in favor of survivor safety.

As part of that work, Simonton supported the Department of Justice’s appeal in U.S. v. Rahimi before the U.S. Supreme Court and later developed resources to help other U.S. Attorney’s Offices implement similar domestic violence prosecution programs. The Supreme Court’s ruling is widely recognized as one of the most crucial rulings for public safety in 2024.

Simonton has partnered with TCFV previously on webinars designed to equip advocates in the field with legal tools and knowledge, as well as press events focused on domestic violence awareness. She has also worked with organizations like Genesis Women’s Shelter and One Safe Place to achieve safer communities.

“I’ve seen firsthand how strategic collaboration across systems and disciplines can help improve safety and access to justice for survivors,” Simonton said. “I’m grateful to join TCFV’s board and hope to contribute in ways that advance its work across the state.”

The TCFV board of directors contributes to the organization’s strategic planning, supports policy development, and helps strengthen connections with local and regional partners. Simonton’s background will help inform the coalition’s legal and policy strategies in support of survivors across Texas. To learn more about TCFV’s programs and resources, visit www.tcfv.org.

About Texas Council on Family Violence

Texas Council on Family Violence is the only 501(c) three nonprofit coalition in Texas dedicated solely to creating safer communities and freedom from family violence. With a state-wide reach and direct local impact, TCFV, with the collective strength of more than 1,300 members, shapes public policy, equips service providers, and initiates strategic prevention efforts.