Congressman Mac Thornberry
WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Mac Thornberry (R - Clarendon) released the following statement in memory of Judge Mary Lou Robinson:
Judge Robinson left a legacy as a legal pioneer who is universally respected and admired. She has always set high standards for herself and others - inspiring and encouraging those she worked with and knew. Our legal system will forever benefit from her contributions" said Rep. Thornberry. I am proud we were able to add Judge Robinsons name to the federal courthouse in Amarillo. Her legacy will live on."
Judge Mary Lou Robinson was a valued member of the Amarillo community for nearly 70 years. After graduating from the University of Texas School of Law she moved to Amarillo to work in a private practice until she was appointed judge of the County Court in Potter County. From there she was elected judge of the 108th District Court in Amarillo from 1961-1972. In 1973 she was appointed justice of the Seventh Court of Appeals in Amarillo making her the first female appellate judge in Texas.
She was appointed Chief Justice of that court in 1977 and continued to serve as Chief Justice until her appointment by President Jimmy Carter to the federal bench. Last year her name was added to the J. Marvin Jones Federal Building and Mary Lou Robinson United States Courthouse in Amarillo. This is the first federal courthouse named after a woman within a five-state area.
