We’ve always believed that being a lawyer means more than showing up to court or drafting legal documents. Family law may be a profession, but it’s also a public service. That’s why we are proud to be recognized by the Dallas Bar Association as a member of the DBA 100 Club, an honor reserved for law firms in which every attorney is a member of the Dallas Bar Association.
This recognition is a reflection of our commitment to the legal community and to the public we serve.
A Commitment to Service in Family Law
Our involvement with the DBA demonstrates our deeper philosophy: that leadership in law means investing in people — our clients, our colleagues and our city. From offering Continuing Legal Education (CLE) opportunities and hosting forums on cutting-edge legal trends to supporting the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program (DVAP), we believe the best lawyers don’t just know the law; they shape it, teach it, and use it to uplift others.
The DBA helps us stay sharp and connected as divorce attorneys in Dallas. A strong legal community benefits everyone — lawyers, clients and the broader public. When attorneys are engaged, educated and ethically grounded, the quality of representation across the board improves.
Duffee + Eitzen attorneys are regular contributors to the DBA’s Headnotes newsletter, where we explore some of the latest developments in family law. Josh Dossey will serve on the DBA’s board of directors in 2026 and also as president of the Dallas LGBT+ Bar Association. Marilea Lewis and Hunter Lewis are each past presidents of the DBA’s Family Law Section. We don’t just show up for our own clients — we work to raise the bar for the profession as a whole. Because when lawyers grow, the communities they serve benefit — and that’s a mission we’re proud to support.
A Personal Connection to Public Service in Dallas Family Law
Public service is in our DNA. That shows in our long-standing support of the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program. Established and championed by former Judge Merrill Hartman—father of firm co-founder Melinda Eitzen—the DVAP has provided thousands of underserved North Texans with access to legal representation. It’s a program rooted in justice and dignity, and one we’re proud to support. The program not only improves lives—it shapes better lawyers.
In addition to our work with the DBA, our attorneys are actively involved in the State Bar of Texas Family Law Section and other professional and community organizations, including founding contributors to the Van Sickle Family Law Clinic at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law. These memberships deepen our knowledge of the law, expand our service to clients and the community alike, and improve the quality of legal services available to Texans as a whole.
It’s easy to be cynical about the law. Too often, popular portrayals of lawyers focus on conflict and personal gain. But at Duffee + Eitzen, we strive to represent something better—something rooted in service, community, and the belief that justice should be accessible to everyone.