Yesterday, the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) announced the appointment of Diane Dillard to its Board. Dillard will be working with Board Members in overseeing the administration of the Board Certification program, including the organization’s finances, enhancing the value of Board Certification as well as increasing its public awareness.

“Diane is a renowned commercial real estate attorney throughout Texas and has been Board Certified in that area for more than 30 years,” said Leo Figueroa, Executive Director of TBLS. “Coupled with her statewide and national association affiliations, she will play an integral part in helping us further grow our member resources and bases beyond the real estate specialty area. We’re honored to have her on our Board.”

Dillard has been Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate Law since 1987 and spent most of her career representing clients on commercial real estate matters in Houston, but also practiced in Brownsville, Texas from 2002 – 2016. She founded the Dillard & Ray Law Firm in 1987, where she was involved with the purchase, development, leasing and sale of properties for national, regional and local clients and prior to that, served as an Associate in the Real Estate Section of Vinson & Elkins.

“I am delighted to join the Board of the leading legal Board Certification program in the country and help it advance its mission of protecting Texas businesses and the public,” said Dillard. “No lawyer is an expert in every area of law. But with Board Certification, the public, as well as other lawyers, can identify an experienced and tested attorney for a specific field.”

In 2015, Dillard was the first woman to receive the “Distinguished Real Estate Lawyer Lifetime Achievement Award,” the highest honor given by the Real Estate Probate Trust Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. She was also recognized in 1998 with the Houston Chronicle’s “Women on the Move Award,” presented to the top 10 Houston business women. Dillard was elected to the American College of Real Estate Attorneys in 1993 and was Chair of the 5,000-member State Bar of Texas Real Estate Probate Trust Law Section from 2000-2001.

Dillard obtained her undergraduate degree, magnum cum laude, from Baylor University and her juris doctor, cum laude, from Baylor University School of Law.

The Board Certification program is administered by a 12-member board appointed by the President of the State Bar of Texas. All members are appointed to three-year staggered terms of office, and are eligible for reappointment for one additional term.

To learn more about Dillard and other Board Members, visit www.tbls.org.

About TBLS

Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) is authorized by the Supreme Court of Texas. It certifies attorneys in 24 specific areas of law and paralegals in eight specific areas. TBLS serves as a resource by listing all certified attorneys and paralegals online. TBLS works to ensure that the citizens of Texas receive the highest quality legal services.