Beirne, Maynard & Parsons, L.L.P. is pleased to announce that former 73rd District Court Judge Renée McElhaney has joined the firm as a partner in its San Antonio office. Judge McElhaney will focus her practice on appellate work, commercial and aviation litigation, and alternative dispute resolution, including mediations and arbitrations.

“Judge McElhaney is a brilliant thinker who will bring depth to our firm, working in our appellate and litigation practice areas,” says Brit Brown, Managing Partner for Beirne, Maynard & Parsons. “As we continue to grow, her experience and expertise, specifically as it relates to appellate work and alternative dispute resolution, will enhance the broad base of services we offer our clients.”

Judge McElhaney was the first woman to preside over the 73rd District Court, handling family law matters, personal injury suits, commercial litigation, and other civil litigation matters. She is known in the profession as a legal scholar and researcher, with a great respect for and experience in the litigation process.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Education, Judge McElhaney taught in public schools for nine years. As a teacher, Judge McElhaney was named the “Most Influential Teacher” by several graduating classes. She then attended law school at St. Mary’s University School of Law, graduating at the top of her class while serving as a Student Bar Association Senator, a published writer, and editor-in-chief of the prestigious St. Mary’s Law Journal. In law school, she was named the Phi Delta Phi “Third Year Student of the Year” and was named to the Harlen Society.

“The firm has an impressive regional footprint and strong presence in Texas, and I am excited about the opportunity Beirne, Maynard & Parsons presents to the next stage of my career,” said Judge McElhaney.

As an attorney and jurist, she received the Belva Lockwood Award from the Bexar County Women’s Bar Association as the Woman Lawyer of the Year, and has been honored with the Voice and Vision Award from the San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce. She has also received the San Antonio Bar Association President’s Award, the San Antonio Legal Secretaries’ Association Boss of the Year Award, and the San Antonio Business Journal’s Women in Leadership Mentoring Award.

Judge McElhaney has authored over 300 legal articles, is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and has served as one of the authors of the State Bar Pattern Jury Charges. She has been named a Super Lawyer and holds an AV rating with Martindale-Hubbell. She enjoys teaching law and is a frequent speaker at attorney continuing legal education courses. She has also been an adjunct professor of law at St. Mary’s University School of Law, teaching trial and appellate procedure.

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