J. CHRYS DOUGHERTY GOOD APPLE AWARD RECIPIENTS
The Texas Appleseed Board of Directors is proud to honor Melanie Gray and Mark Wawro with the 2023 J. Chrys Dougherty Good Apple Award. Melanie and Mark are accomplished lawyers whose philanthropic contributions have expanded opportunities to ensure justice and improved the legal profession.
Melanie is lauded for her considerable community service efforts and contributions to the arts, education, health care, and advancement of women and girls. As a Founder and Executive Committee member of The Center for Women in Law, she leads the charge in creating a lasting legacy for future generations of women lawyers. Syracuse University College of Law honored her as a Distinguished Alumna for her service to the college, her community, and the practice of law. Melanie was a Partner at Winston & Strawn LLP and Chair of its Bankruptcy Litigation Practice before retiring in 2020. Her accolades include being named one of the “Top 250 Women in Litigation” by Benchmark Litigation and one of “Texas’ Most Powerful Women” by the Texas Diversity Council.
Mark served on the board of Texas Appleseed for over 20 years and has been a key partner in helping the organization grow and thrive. He has also brought his leadership and expertise to organizations that advance the literary arts, fine art and cinema, as well as other charitable endeavors in Houston and beyond. His impressive pro bono record includes a case with the Innocence Project that led to overturning a wrongful conviction and helping Texas Appleseed rein in predatory payday and auto title lenders. Mark is a Partner at Susman Godfrey LLP, specializing in commercial litigation. His groundbreaking work and trial victories have been widely recognized throughout his 40-year career, including by The American Lawyer and Texas Lawyer.
Mark and Melanie are recipients of the Joseph Jaworski Leadership Award from the American Leadership Forum and the Anti-Defamation League Southwest Region Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award. They also are fellows of the prestigious Litigation Counsel of America.
For their inspiring leadership, commitment to justice, and extensive community service, Texas Appleseed is proud to honor Melanie Gray and Mark Wawro with the 2023 J. Chrys Dougherty Good Apple Award on November 15.