Hon. Lora Livingston is a Senior Judge for Travis Country’s 261st District Court after her retirement in 2022. During her time, she was elected to serve as the Local Administrative District Judge for the Travis County Courts, led the council of judges for nine years, and oversaw the design and construction of the new Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility (CFCF). Judge Livingston is currently the President of the American Bar Endowment and also has served on the boards of the Texas Equal Access to Justice Foundation, Texas Access to Justice Commission, Texas Center for the Judiciary, and National Association of IOLTA Programs.
Q: What does being an ABF Fellow mean to you?
Being an ABF Fellow means that I enthusiastically support research that advances justice. I am proud to support the academic endeavors of thoughtful scholars, whose research often uncovers significant trends in the law, and sometimes just makes me go “Hmmm.”
Q: Where do you consider your hometown and what is your favorite thing about it?
I grew up in Los Angeles, but I now live in Austin, Texas. Both cities have incredible music scenes and great food scenes. I love to enjoy a great meal while listening to amazing music.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in law?
I chose law over journalism. I love the storytelling aspects of each of these career options but it was the desire to speak for the voiceless that made me choose a career in law.
Q: If you hadn’t pursued a career in law, what would you have done?
I would like to have been a photographer. Photos often tell stories that cannot completely be told with words. Good photos have the ability to evoke feelings and can move people to action. Images that capture reality can be very powerful.
Q: Who is your professional hero?
Thurgood Marshall.