Sissy Farenthold Social Justice Award

The Sissy Farenthold Social Justice Award honors leaders dedicated to justice, human rights, democracy, and social equity. The award is given out annually and is named for legendary Texas lawyer, legislator, and activist Frances “Sissy” Farenthold. Past honorees include:

2025 Economist Dr. Ray Perryman and Attorney – Democracy Advocate Skye Perryman

2025 Immigration Attorney and Presidential Advisor Charles Foster

2023 President of the Texas NAACP Gary Bledsoe

2022 Texas State Representative Senfronia Thompson

Clarence Darrow Award

Clarence Darrow was one of the greatest criminal defense lawyers in the history of the United States. He was a prominent member of the American Civil Liberties Union, a fierce opponent of the death penalty, and an advocate for civil rights. He was nicknamed the “Attorney for the Damned,” and willing to take on the hardest cases to ensure that the accused received justice. Among his many famous cases was the Scopes “Monkey” Trial in 1925. Every year, HCDLA awards the Clarence Darrow Award. Past honorees include:

2024 Former United States Congressman Beto O’Rourke

2022 Vinson & Elkins Attorney Harry Reasoner

2020 President of the Texas NAACP Gary Bledsoe

2019  Former U.S. Ambassador Arthur Schechter

2018 Susman Godfrey Founding Attorney Stephen D. Susman

2017 Raley Law Founding Attorney John Raley

2014 Former Texas Governor Mark White

2013 Former Texas State Senator Wendy Davis

2011 Mithoff Law Founding Attorney Richard Mithoff

2010 Galveston Civil Rights Attorney Anthony P. Griffin

2009 Former Texas State House Representative Sissy Farenthold

2008  Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins

2007 University of Houston Law Professor David R. Dow

2006 Parnham & Associates Founding Attorney George Parnham

2005 University of Houston Adjunct Law Professor Jim M. Perdue, Sr.