HOUSTON – Texas Lawyer has named Bracewell LLP litigation partner Richard F. Whiteley Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year at the 2026 Texas Legal Awards, in recognition of his dedication to pro bono work during the previous year. The winners were recognized at a ceremony in Dallas on September 30.
About Richard F. Whiteley
Whiteley co-chairs Bracewell’s firmwide pro bono committee and leads the Houston office’s pro bono efforts. He has organized joint legal clinics between Bracewell and clients to reach underserved populations, including a recent legal clinic in Houston to provide accessible, life-changing counsel to local veterans. Whiteley also mentors associates in their pro bono work and co-spearheaded a firmwide initiative to recognize lawyers with outstanding pro bono service. Under his leadership, Bracewell recently surpassed its Houston Volunteer Lawyers pledge for the seventh straight year.
“Pro bono clients are often navigating the most difficult moment of their lives,” Whiteley told Texas Lawyer. “Ultimately, persistence, empathy and a willingness to fight hard for every client are the keys to achieving the best possible results.”
About the Texas Legal Awards
The Texas Legal Awards, presented by Texas Lawyer, recognize attorneys and law firms making a lasting impact on the Texas legal landscape.