Young Gunners' SCOTX Series | Episode 2: A Conversation with Senior Justice Debra Lehrmann

In the second episode of the TYLA’s Young Gunners SCOTX Series, we sit down with Senior Justice Debra Lehrmann — the longest-serving member of the Supreme Court of Texas. A first-generation lawyer with an unexpected path to the bench, Justice Lehrmann originally aspired to be a psychologist. But a pivotal internship at the Austin State Hospital, where she witnessed the lasting effects of childhood trauma, led her to pursue law instead.

That experience became the foundation of her career-long dedication to child welfare and advocacy for the vulnerable. Join us as she shares stories from her journey, her passion for closing the justice gap, and what drives her work on the Texas high court.

You can access this episode and our other episodes here: https://tyla.org/resource/young-gunners-podcast/

 #tyla #younggunners #scotx #legalpodcast

Chapters

• 1:40 What initially inspired you to pursue a career in law, and did you ever envision that journey leading you to the Texas Supreme Court?
• 3:59 Which experiences do you feel best prepared you for your role on the Texas Supreme Court?
• 7:13 Reflections on her children have followed in her footsteps to pursue a legal career.
• 8:04 What motivates your passion for child welfare and protection law?
• 10:41 How has motherhood influenced your perspective and approach to child welfare law? In what ways does parenthood shape your point of view on legal issues?
• 12:33 Were there any mentors or pivotal experiences that helped guide you throughout your legal career?
• 14:05 Was there a particular mentor who inspired you to pursue a position on the bench?
• 15:27 What inspired you to pursue a career in the judiciary, and what specifically drew you to the Texas Supreme Court?
• 18:03 What has surprised you the most about your role on the Texas Supreme Court?
• 22:00 How do you and your colleagues collaborate and navigate differing perspectives to reach a decision?
• 26:03 With nine justices, how long does a typical conference take when you're debating a case?
• 28:51 What does a typical day look like for a justice on the Texas Supreme Court?
• 30:26 When confronted with complex and challenging issues, how do you approach making those difficult decisions?
• 33:10 Is there a particular case that stands out to you as especially significant during your time on the Texas Supreme Court?
• 35:00 What advice would you give to individuals considering a career in public service or aspiring to join the judiciary?