Carolyn Wright-Sanders: A Trailblazing Texas Jurist

Carolyn Wright-Sanders is a retired American lawyer and jurist who served as Chief Justice of the Fifth Court of Appeals of Texas from November 17, 2009, to December 31, 2018. Throughout her distinguished career, she broke barriers as the first African American to hold several key judicial positions in Texas, leaving a lasting legacy on the state’s legal landscape.

Early Life and Education

Born on September 27, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Carolyn I. Wright was raised in a military family, living in various locations in the United States and Japan during her childhood. [1] She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the District of Columbia Teachers College and later received a Juris Doctor degree from Howard University School of Law, where she was later honored with a Distinguished Alumni Award. [1] Her father encouraged her to pursue a legal education. [1]

Early Legal Career and Judgeships

After law school, Wright returned to Texas and founded her own law firm. In 1983, she became an associate judge in the Dallas County family law courts. Two years later, she successfully ran for a family district bench as a Republican, becoming the first African American woman in Dallas County to win a county-wide election. [2]

In 1995, Governor George W. Bush appointed Wright as an Associate Justice on the Fifth Court of Appeals. [1] She was subsequently elected to the position in 1996, marking the first time an African American woman had won a multi-county judicial election in Texas history. [2]

Chief Justice of the Fifth Court of Appeals

On November 17, 2009, Governor Rick Perry appointed Wright as Chief Justice of the Fifth Court of Appeals, the largest intermediate appellate court in Texas, serving six counties with 13 justices. [2] This appointment made her the first African American to serve as Chief Justice on any of the 14 intermediate courts of appeal in Texas. [2] She presided over the court until her retirement on December 31, 2018. [1] During her tenure, she authored thousands of legal opinions covering a wide range of legal issues. [2]

Recognition and Awards

Throughout her career, Carolyn Wright-Sanders has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the legal profession and her community. These include the National Association of Women Lawyers’ Leadership Award, the American Bar Association Business Section’s Award for contributions to women and proficiency in law, and the Yellow Rose of Texas Award. [2] She was also inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame by Governor Rick Perry in 2014, recognizing her 30 years of public service. [2]

Current Activities

Currently, Carolyn Wright-Sanders is associated with C-Wright Dispute Resolution Services, PLLC and serves as a Visiting Judge at Texas state and county courts. [3]