Peavler tried and won her first case while still attending law school at the University of Texas School of Law in Austin, and over the past nearly three decades since then she's emerged as one of the most prominent personal injury defense lawyers in the state.

With clients ranging from The Kroger Co., Target Corporation and Bass Pro Stores to small retailers, home health care providers and construction companies. Peavler has tried numerous cases to verdict in both Texas state and federal courts, along with arguing and winning cases in state and federal courts of appeals, as well as the Texas Supreme Court. Peavler began her career with Jones Day, where she practiced in the litigation group for six years before joining the boutique Dallas litigation firm of Hartline, Dacus, Dreyer & Kern to focus on more trial-oriented work. In 2002, she left Hartline Dacus to start a firm with brothers Don and Doug Uloth, and in 2008, she formed her own firm, The Peavler Group, to focus on general liability, nonsubscription and commercial litigation. That firm eventually became Peavler Briscoe, as it is known today.

The legal profession is constantly evolving and that evolution only seems to have accelerated in recent years. What's the biggest change you've seen in the profession during your career?

One of the best changes I've seen is that with the advent of electronic filing, we no longer have to send lawyers racing to the all-night post office to meet the 11:59 p.m. postmark deadlines anymore!  In all seriousness, though, I think the biggest change that I've seen is with everything being filed and communicated electronically, there is less camaraderie among lawyers. I find this to be a real pity—especially for young lawyers— because lawyers are now missing the opportunity to meet other lawyers face-to-face and develop lifelong friendships and partnerships.

What is one thing about the profession that has remained unchanged over the years?

The primary thing about the practice of law that seems to have remained the same during my years of practicing relates to the courtroom:  veniremen still will say just about anything to get out of jury service, but then once they are selected, most still show an admirable level of commitment to doing their job well. This commitment has helped uphold the parties' constitutional right to a fair and impartial trial by their peers.

What is one piece of advice you would give someone entering into the profession that you wish you had as a young lawyer?

Develop relationships. By developing relationships early, you'll find that the lawyer across the table from you or sitting next to you may be your best source of referral business or even a future client in 10-15 years.

An awards ceremony will be held on Sept. 18 at the Belo Mansion in Dallas. The Attorney of the Year award winner will be announced at the ceremony.

Click here for booking information. For information about sponsoring the event, contact Andre Sutton at 757-721-9020 or email [email protected].