Haynes Boone Labor and Employment Partner Ann Marie Painter has been named the recipient of the 2026 Civic Leadership Award by Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, recognizing her longstanding commitment to expanding access to justice and supporting vulnerable communities.
For more than 26 years, Legal Aid’s annual Women’s Advocacy Awards have honored individuals making a meaningful, lasting impact in North and West Texas. Painter was recognized for her work improving the lives of women and children and advancing access to justice across North Texas.
She is a strong advocate for providing assistance to community members who cannot navigate the legal system because of income or circumstance. Through her board leadership, extensive pro bono work and community engagement at Haynes Boone, Painter has supported expanded access to legal services, as well as access to vital services such as childcare and job training, to strengthen communities across the region.
Painter has supported numerous nonprofit organizations, including Vogel Alcove, Housing Forward, Texas Appleseed, The Family Place and Texas Women’s Foundation, helping raise awareness, mobilize resources and provide legal guidance to organizations serving vulnerable children and families.
Among her proudest accomplishments, she served as board chair of Vogel Alcove during a period of significant growth, helping guide its expansion to Family Gateway and the Shops at RedBird and increasing its ability to serve more children and families experiencing the devastating effects of homelessness and poverty.
“Ann Marie embodies the values of service, compassion and excellence that define our firm,” said Haynes Boone Managing Partner Taylor Wilson. “Her commitment to expanding access to justice reflects the very best of the legal profession.”
“It has been a privilege to support organizations whose missions resonate with me,” Painter said. “That work has brought tremendous meaning to my life and career, and to be recognized for this work is incredibly gratifying and humbling.”
Looking ahead, Painter plans to continue learning how her legal advocacy skills can be used to help address the effects of homelessness and poverty on vulnerable residents of North Texas.
“These issues are complex and multifaceted,” she said. "I hope to continue using my skills to advance solutions that create lasting, systemic change for individuals and families in need."
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas honored Painter and fellow recipients at its Women’s Advocacy Awards on June 17, 2026, at the Arts District Mansion in Dallas. The event also marked the organization’s 75th anniversary.
For 75 years, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas has provided free civil legal assistance to more than one million low-income individuals and families, including survivors of domestic violence and their children. The organization continues to rely on community support to meet the growing demand for critical legal services.
