Biography
Lauren Waddell graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she received a business degree with a double major, in Management and Economics. She received her law degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston, where she was a member of the South Texas Law Review. After graduating from law school, she immediately began practicing family law, which has been her focused practice area her entire career. Ms. Waddell is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and International Academy of Family Lawyers. She is licensed to practice law in Texas state courts, as well as in federal courts before the Southern District of Texas, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Ms. Waddell is actively involved in leadership for legal and local community organizations. She has served as the Chair of the Houston Bar Association, Family Law Section; the President of Texas Women Lawyers; and the President of the Association of Women Attorneys - Houston. Ms. Waddell is a Fellow of the Houston Bar Foundation and the Texas Bar Foundation. Ms. Waddell currently serves on the Board of Directors for Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists and The Orange Show Center for Visionary Arts; and as a Captain on the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Youth Horse Show Committee.
Throughout her career, Ms. Waddell has participated in Continuing Legal Education courses, by speaking and writing materials for legal seminars and publication. She enjoys speaking on family law topics, along with supporting attorney and women advance professionally. She has focused her legal practice to representing clients in family law matters primarily in Harris County, Texas, and also in surrounding counties such as Fort Bend County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, and Montgomery County.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Training
- The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Arbitration Training Institute
- The Collaborative Law Institute of Texas – Collaborative Law Interdisciplinary Training
- A.A. White Dispute Resolution Center – University of Houston Law Center, Blakely Advocacy Institute, 40-Hour Mediation Training
- Harris County Dispute Resolution Center – 24 Hour Family Mediation Training
Education
- South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas
- J.D. – 2002
- South Texas Law Review
- Baylor University, Waco, Texas
- B.B.A. – 1998
- Major: Management and Economics
Bar Admissions
- State Bar of Texas, 2002
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
- United States Supreme Court
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Fellow (2012-2023); Chair of the AAML History/ Photo Committee (2020-2022); Co-Chair of Webinar Committee (2021-2022); Vice Chair of the AAML History/ Photo Committee (2018-2019); Bookstore Committee (2019-2022)
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation, Board of Directors (2021-2023)
- Association of Women Attorneys, President (2017-2018), President-Elect (2016-2017), Vice President of Membership (2013-2015)
- Burta Rhoads Raborn Family Law, American Inn of Court (2006-2023)
- Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists, Member (2007-2023); Board of Directors (2021-2023)
- Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors (2020-2023)
- Houston Bar Association – Family Law Section, Chair (2015-2016), Chair-Elect (2014-2015), Secretary (2012-2014), Board of Directors (2009-2017); Immediate Past Chair (2016-2017)
- Houston Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Houston Young Lawyers Association; Co-Chair of HYLA Car Seat Safety Campaign Committee (2007-2008); HYLA Leadership Academy (2006-2007)
- Houston Young Lawyers Foundation, Fellow
- International Academy of Family Lawyers (2017-2023)
- State Bar of Texas – Family Law Section, Member (2002-2023)
- Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, Member (2007-2023)
- Texas Bar Foundation, Life Fellow
- Texas Women Lawyers: President (2013-2014); President-Elect (2012-2013); Vice-President (2010-2012); Secretary (2009-2010); Board of Directors (2006-2010); Newsletter Editor (2007-2009); Member (2006-2021)
- The College of the State Bar of Texas, Member (2010- 2023)
- Women and the Law-State Bar of Texas, Member (2016-2023)
Published Works
- Author, Advanced Family Law Course, Legends and Their Legacies: Mining for Gold in the Hall of Legends, August 11, 2022
- Co-Author, Panhandle Family Law Association, Representation in the Substance Abuse Case, March 17, 2021
- Co-Contributor, Financial Issues in Divorce: A Client Handbook, published by American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Co-Author, Marriage Dissolution Institute 2019, Representation in the Substance Abuse Case, April 25, 2019
- Author, 2017 Marriage Dissolution 101 Course, How to Prepare Clients for Custody Evaluations, April 19, 2017
- Author, The Bencher® publication of the American Inns of Court, Networking Works, If You… January/ February 2017 “Networking” Issue
- Co-Author, The State Bar Office of Minority Affairs 13th Annual Texas Minority Attorney Program, Emerging Trends in Family Law, May 29, 2015
- Author, Houston Bar Association – 2012 Family Law Institute, Child Support: Guidelines and Beyond
- Author, South Texas College of Law – 26th Annual Family Law Conference, 2012, Top Ten Issues in Child Support
- Author, South Texas College of Law – 26th Annual Family Law Conference, 2012, Family Law Family Feud
- Author, Texas Women Lawyers In Brief, January 2010, An Interview with Justice Eva M. Guzman – Newest Appointee to the Supreme Court of Texas
- Author, 2008 Texas Women Lawyers Conference, Ethics Jeopardy
- Co-Author, State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, Family Law Section Continuing Legal Education Program 2008 – The Amicus Attorney
- Author, The Houston Lawyer, Vol. 45 Number 3, November-December 2007 – Revisions to the Texas Family Code from the 80th Legislative Session
- Author, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialist Forum, Vol. 27 Issue 2, Fall 2007 – Social Studies—New, Used, and Unfamiliar Statutory Provisions
- Co-Author, UTCLE – The University of Texas School of Law: Effective Family Law Practice, The Definitive Short Course on Parent-Child Relationships, November 2007 – The World of Court Appointees: Amicus Attorneys, Attorney Ad Litems, Guardian Ad Litems, and Social Studies
- Co-Author, Advanced Family Law Practice for Paralegals: Handling Financial Issues at a Higher Level 2007 – Effective Presentation of Financial Matters – Financial Information Statements, Inventory & Appraisement, and Proposed Property Divisions
- Co-Author, Advanced Family Law Course 2006 – Who Represents The Child? Not Me, I am the Amicus Attorney!
- Co-Author, Advanced Family Law Drafting Course 2005 – “It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got that Swing” – Tips from the Bench
- Co-Author, Houston Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Seminar 2004 – Family Law for the General Practitioner
- Co-Author, Marriage Dissolution Institute 2003 – Real Estate Appraisals and Receivers-How to Use and Abuse
- Co-Author, Ad Litem Practice in the Family Law Courts, 309th Judicial District Court 2003 – The Road to Trial: An Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem’s Guide
Honors
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Fellow of the Year Award (2022)
- Association of Women Attorneys – 2014 Premier Women in Law Honoree
- AV Preeminent Rating™ by Martindale-Hubbell® (2013-2023)
- Greater Houston Women Chamber of Commerce Leadership of the Year Award (2022)
- Greater Houston Women Chamber of Commerce Breakthrough Woman Award (2022)
- Recognized by the “Best Lawyers” publication (2016-2023)
- Recognized as a "Super Lawyer," a Thomson Reuters listing in Texas Monthly Magazine (2013-2023)
- Recognized as a "Top 50 Women Texas Super Lawyers," a Thomson Reuters listing in Texas Monthly Magazine (2017-2019, 2023)
- Recognized as a "Top 100 Houston Super Lawyers," a Thomson Reuters listing in Texas Monthly Magazine (2017-2023)
- Recognized as a "Rising Star", a Thomson Reuters listing in Texas Monthly Magazine (2011-2013)
- Recognized as "Top Lawyer" by H Texas Magazine (2010- 2021)
- Recognized as "Top Women in Business" by H Texas Magazine (2011, 2012)
- Recognized as a "Top Young Professional" by H Texas Magazine (2006-2009)
- Recognized as "Top Lawyer" by Houstonia Magazine (2013-2022)
Classes & Seminars
- Speaker, Advanced Family Law Course, Legends and Their Legacies: Mining for Gold in the Hall of Legends, August 11, 2022
- Panelist, Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Central Houston Energy Corridor Chapter, Relationship Building Luncheon, June 8, 2022
- Speaker, Advanced Family Law Course, Enforcement Demonstration-The Right Way to Do It and Mistakes Not to Make, August 2, 2021
- Speaker, Bay Area Bar Association, Family Law 101: Overview of Divorce Litigation, July 22, 2021
- Speaker, State Bar of Texas and the Legal Access Division, Family Law Essentials: Waco – Giving Back to Your Community, Alcohol & Drug Testing in Family Law Cases, June 4, 2021
- Speaker, Houston Young Lawyers Association Women Lawyers Committee, Women in Law: Finding Your Path, March 23, 2021
- Speaker, Panhandle Family Law Association, Representation in the Substance Abuse Case, March 17, 2021
- Speaker, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Webinar, Financial Issues in Divorce, December 11, 2020
- Speaker, Houston Bar Association Gender Fairness Committee, Business Development for Women: How to Overcome Obstacles and Thrive, Webinar, September 29, 2020
- Speaker, Nerdy Girl Success, Breaking Barriers – Career and Leadership Summit for High School Girls, Virtual Conference, June 2020
- Speaker, Texas Center for Legal Ethics, Justice James A. Baker Guide to Ethics and Professionalism in Texas, Specific Ethics Considerations When Practicing in Texas, South Texas College of Law, November 22, 2019
- Speaker, Texas Center for Legal Ethics, Justice James A. Baker Guide to Ethics and Professionalism in Texas, Specific Ethics Considerations When Practicing in Texas, South Texas College of Law, April 19, 2019
- Speaker, Association of Women in Law, International Women’s Day Panel, University of Houston Law Center, March 7, 2019
- Speaker, Women of Law Brunch, Woman in Charge, July 15, 2018
- Speaker, Houston Bar Association, The 2018 Annual Conference on ADR, Waiter, There’s a Conflict in My Soup: Luncheon Panel on Ethics, Mock Appellate Argument Defender of Arbitration Award, May 4, 2018
- Speaker, Attorneys in Tax and Probate, Marital Property Issues in Drafting Estate Planning Documents, April 3, 2018
- Speaker, Association of Women in Law, International Women’s Day Panel, University of Houston Law Center, March 8, 2018
- Speaker, 2018 Houston Bar Association Career Building for New Lawyers CLE, February 21, 2018
- Speaker, Texas Center for Legal Ethics, Justice James A. Baker – Guide to Ethics and Professionalism in Texas, Specific Ethical Considerations When Practicing in Texas, April 21, 2017
- Speaker & Author, 2017 Marriage Dissolution 101 Course, How to Prepare Clients for Custody Evaluations, April 19, 2017
- Participant, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists Trial Institute, Mock Trial, January 20, 2017
- Speaker, Women and the Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, The First Chapter of a Divorce Case – Temporary Orders, September 29, 2016
- Speaker, 3L+ Law Prep Houston Career Conference, In the Long Run – Developing a Sustainable and Fulfilling Legal Practice, June 10, 2015
- Speaker & Co-Author, The State Bar Office of Minority Affairs 13th Annual Texas Minority Attorney Program, Emerging Trends in Family Law, May 29, 2015
- Moderator, Texas Women Lawyers Annual CLE, Define Your Own Success: Charting Your Path in a Changing Legal World, Practitioners’ Panel: Success in Confronting Challenges across the Industry; February 27, 2015
- Speaker, Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism, Justice James A. Baker Guide to the Basics of Law Practice, Developing Your Professional Reputation, December 12, 2014
- Speaker, Dress for Success Professional Women’s Group, Legal Literacy Series – Family Law, August 2, 2014
- Speaker, Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism, Justice James A. Baker – Guide to the Basics of Law Practice, Launching Your Legal Career – Tips for Success, April 18, 2014
- Moderator, South Texas College of Law – 28th Annual Family Law Conference, The Intersection between Immigration and Family Law, March 6, 2014
- Speaker, Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism, Justice James A. Baker – Guide to the Basics of Law Practice, Launching Your Legal Career – Tips for Success, December 6, 2013
- Participant, Houston Bar Association Family Law Section, Temporary Orders – Mock Trial Style, October 25, 2013
- Speaker, South Texas College of Law Women’s Law Society, Negotiating Your First Salary, South Texas College of Law, September 18, 2013
- Course Director, Texas Women Lawyers Annual CLE, Rising Together – Women Promoting Each Other in the Practice of Law, South Texas College of Law, March 1, 2013
- Speaker, 2012 Panel Discussion at Texas Women Lawyers’ presentation of Miss Representation film at South Texas College of Law
- Speaker, Houston Bar Association – 2012 Family Law Institute, Child Support: Guidelines and Beyond
- Speaker, 2012 Texas Women Lawyers CLE – Power On: Plug into Your Most Effective Performance, Powerful Partners
- Speaker, South Texas College of Law – 26th Annual Family Law Conference, 2012, Top Ten Issues in Child Support
- Speaker & Author, South Texas College of Law – 26th Annual Family Law Conference, 2012, Family Law Family Feud
- Moderator, South Texas College of Law – 26th Annual Family Law Conference, 2012, Law Outside the Loop: Tips from Judges in Surrounding Counties
- Planning Committee Member, South Texas College of Law – 26th Annual Family Law Conference, March 1, 2012 –March 2, 2012
- Speaker, Texas Center for Legal Ethics CLE 2011, Justice James A. Baker Guide to the Basics of Law Practice Course – Launching Your Legal Career – Tips for Success
- Panel Moderator, South Texas College of Law 25th Annual Family Law Conference 2011 – Law Outside the Loop: Tips from Judges in Surrounding Counties
- Planning Committee Member, South Texas College of Law 25th Annual Family Law Conference 2011, April 7, 2011 –April 8, 2011
- Speaker, Texas Women Lawyers 2011 Annual CLE, Project YOU! Finding Focus in Your Practice – Focus on Legal Substance, Hot Legal Issues Roundtable Discussion: Family Law
- Speaker, Texas Women Lawyers 2010 Annual CLE, Artful Intelligence: Teaching Tools and Techniques for Best Lawyering – The Art of Law Practice
- Speaker, South Texas College of Law 21st Annual Employment Law Conference 2008 – Multiple Choice Ethics
- Speaker, Harris County Youth & Family Services Division 2008 Conference – Collaborative Wellness: What Works?, Testimonial Two-Step: What Works in the Court Room
- Speaker, Family Law Essentials sponsored by The Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and Private Attorney Involvement for Texas Rural Legal Aid, Inc., February 28, 2003 – Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks
Fraternities or Sororities
- Zeta Tau Alpha
Certified Legal Specialties
- Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2007