Justice Phylis Speedlin Honored by St. Mary’s University School of Law

Cox Smith, the largest law firm in San Antonio, today announced that attorney Phylis Speedlin is the 2014 recipient of the St. Thomas More Award from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Justice Speedlin received the award on Saturday, May 17, 2014 during the law school’s graduation ceremony.

According to Charles Cantu, dean of St. Mary’s University School of Law, each year since 1957, the School of Law has presented the St. Thomas More award to a “judge, lawyer, law teacher or layperson who has made exceptional contributions to the legal education, the legal profession, or government. The vote to give this year’s award to Justice Speedlin was unanimous.”

“Phylis’s experience as a trial attorney and jurist has enabled her to make immediate contributions to our busy energy litigation team,” said Deborah Williamson, managing director of Cox Smith. “The practical approach and strategic insight she provides is invaluable, and everyone at the firm joins me in congratulating her on this well-deserved honor from St. Mary’s School of Law.”

A highly respected member of the San Antonio legal community for more than 30 years, Justice Speedlin plays a key role on Cox Smith’s appellate and trial strategy team.  As a trial attorney, she has represented clients in numerous industries, with a significant focus on the healthcare industry.

As a jurist, she spent 10 years as an appellate Justice on the Fourth Court of Appeals and three years as a Bexar County Civil District Court trial judge. Prior to serving as an appellate justice, Justice Speedlin served for three years as District Court Judge of the 408th Judicial District Court in Bexar County. After her departure from the Fourth Court of Appeals, Justice Speedlin served as a mediator, arbitrator and private judge.

A native of Ohio, Justice Speedlin moved to San Antonio during her service with the United States Army Nurse Corp. She completed her undergraduate education in nursing at Incarnate Word College and obtained a masters degree in health care administration from Trinity University in San Antonio.  She earned her law degree (with distinction) from St. Mary's University School of Law.