Former Fifth District Court of Appeals justice Amanda Reichek has joined Dallas boutique Tillotson Johnson & Patton as a partner.
Reichek, who campaigned as a Democrat, was defeated in her November bid for re-election. She had served six years on the Dallas appeals court.
The firm reached out to Reichek, who was in demand, Jeff Tillotson said. Reichek “immediately brings tremendous value, knowledge and skill” to the firm’s clients, he added.
“Headed up by Anne Johnson, I think we already had the best appellate group around,” Tillotson said. “With the addition of Mandy, now I know we do.”
Reichek said she is “thrilled” to join the “top-notch” lawyers at the firm and said she has been in “pinch me mode” since discussions began.
“Tillotson Johnson Patton is one of the best firms in Texas, and I consider this a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of a really dynamic and talented team of lawyers,” Reichek said.
She added that the move is a nice return to a small firm setting. Prior to running for the bench, Reichek launched her own firm and eventually added a partner to create Cole | Reichek. She also previously worked for Tanner & Associates in Forth Worth and Waters & Kraus and Janette Johnson & Associates in Dallas.
Reichek was part of the so-called “blue wave” of Democrats elected to the Dallas appeals court in 2018. The 2024 November election ushered in a Republican sweep of the court.
Reichek earned her law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law. Prior to studying law, Reichek earned a master’s degree in sociology from North Carolina State University and a bachelor of arts degree from Texas Tech University.
The daughter of labor union members, Reichek decided she wanted to practice plaintiff-side employment law and union-side labor law, which made up much of her practice before she was elected to the appeals court.
At Tillotson Johnson & Patton, Reichek said she is excited to build on the appellate expertise she gained on the appellate court.
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Why did you choose Tillotson Johnson & Patton?
Tillotson Johnson Patton is one of the best firms in Texas, and I consider this a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of a really dynamic and talented team of lawyers. Before joining the court, I came from a small firm background so it’s nice to return to a boutique setting that’s nimble and where we can give our clients the attention they deserve.
When did you know that you wanted to become a lawyer?
Probably in graduate school. I was focused on becoming a sociology professor. I just realized academia wasn’t really for me. I wasn’t suited for it. I was learning more about social issues and social justice, and I wanted to put those lessons into practice more than academia would have allowed.
How did you know that plaintiff-side employment law and union-side labor law was what you wanted to do?
I came from a labor family. My dad was a lifelong member of the Communication Workers of America, and my mom was a school nurse. She organized school nurses for the Houston Federation of Teachers. I knew that the union was an important part of our upbringing and whatever comforts we had, we owed to the union. In graduate school, I was learning more about workers’ rights and becoming more passionate about those. I went to law school specifically to do that kind of work.
What are your predictions regarding the new makeup of the Dallas court of appeals?
I’m completely unqualified to render any kind of prediction. I really didn’t expect to lose. But, while I was disappointed about losing re-election, I felt like I did a good job on the court. I, and my colleagues, put our feelings about the cases aside and ruled based on the facts and the law. But as for me, being a judge wasn’t why I became a lawyer. I became a lawyer to be an advocate. And I’m excited about getting back in the ring on behalf of the firm’s clients.