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The Travis County Women Lawyers’ Association (TCWLA) has announced its 2026 Pathfinder honorees, who will be celebrated at the upcoming TCWLA Pathfinders Awards & 50-Year Celebration on Friday, Nov. 6.
TCWLA recognizes Pathfinders as local women with law degrees who are using, and have used, their degrees in a variety of ways to impact our community and the legal profession.
The Hon. Maya Guerra Gamble
Judge Maya Guerra Gamble is a lifelong Austinite and the first judge elected to preside over Travis County’s 459th District Court. Before taking the bench, Judge Guerra Gamble built her career as a trial lawyer, focusing on Child Protective Services cases and protecting the most vulnerable in our community. Her service extends beyond the courtroom through leadership with the Austin Bar Association, helping launch the inaugural Equity Summit, creating mentoring programs for new lawyers, and serving as a Scoutmaster and executive board member with Scouting America. She is the 2026-27 president of the Austin Bar Association.
The Hon. Margaret Cooper – honored posthumously
In 1992, Judge Margaret Cooper was elected judge of the 353rd District Court of Travis County, where she served until her formal retirement in 2008 and continued to serve as a senior judge through 2014. A steadfast leader and champion for women in the law, Judge Cooper served as president of TCWLA in 1983. Her legacy of leadership and service continues through the Margaret Cooper Scholarship Fund, which supports aspiring young law students.
Lessie Gilstrap
Lessie Gilstrap is a commercial litigator and fifth-generation Texan with two decades of experience representing clients in state and federal courts and in arbitration. A dedicated leader in TCWLA, she served as president from 2015 to 2016, president-elect from 2014 to 2015, chair of the Travis County Women Lawyers’ Foundation from 2016 to 2017, and has served on the boards of both the foundation and the association for many years.
Diane “Dede” Joyce Hebner
Diane “Dede” Joyce Hebner is a Texas attorney with 45 years of experience in estate planning and probate. Through her example, Dede has shown that it is possible to build a strong legal career, raise a family, and give back to the community through her commitment to organizations including Family Eldercare and the TCWLA Scholarship Fund.
Amanda G. Taylor
Amanda G. Taylor is a distinguished appellate advocate who has served as counsel in nearly 200 matters before the Texas Supreme Court, federal courts of appeals, and appellate courts across Texas and other jurisdictions. A dedicated leader and mentor, Amanda served as president of TCLWA from 2010 to 2011 and on the board from 2008 to 2013 and remains active as a fellow and mentor.
Tickets and sponsorships for the Pathfinders Dinner and TCWLA’s 50-Year Celebration on Friday, Nov. 6, can be purchased at https://tcwla.org/event/2026-pathfinders-event/.
