As the death toll climbed past 100 victims from the horrific weekend flooding from the Guadalupe River, the tragedy hit home at multiple corporate law firms in Texas.
Partners and staff at Akin Gump, Baker Botts and Gray Reed lost family members in the flash flooding that struck multiple children’s camps in Kerr County, including eight-year-old twins from Dallas and a 19-year-old counselor from Houston.
Even as the grieving from the loss of so many innocent lives was being shared across law offices, leaders at law firms, bar associations and legal organizations searched for the right emergency relief efforts to support to help with the search and rescue of dozens more still missing and to provide aid to victims and their families.
Two of the victims of the flash flooding were Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, the twin daughters of Akin Gump partner Lacy Lawrence and Baker Botts partner John Lawrence. The couple’s 14-year-old daughter was also attending Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, and survived the flooding.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to John, his wife Lacy, their daughter Harper, and the entire Lawrence family during this profoundly difficult time,” Baker Botts said in a written statement. “Our hearts are with our colleagues, clients, and communities impacted by the catastrophic Texas Hill Country floods. The magnitude of loss, pain of not knowing, and extensive destruction are profound and devastating for those directly affected and for our communities.”
Baker Botts managing partner Danny David said the Houston-based law firm has made a contribution to the nonprofit first responder organization Texas Search and Rescue “to assist in its important efforts in the area and have worked together with our clients and colleagues to assist in every way we can.”
Akin Gump also released a written statement: “We extend our deepest condolences to Lacy, her husband John, Harper, and the entire Lawrence family. We hold them close in our thoughts and prayers, along with everyone who has suffered from the tragedy in Texas, feeling the weight of their pain and sadness during this unbearably difficult time.”
Another victim of the tragedy was recent high school graduate Chloe Childress, the daughter of Gray Reed executive Matthew Childress and former Yetter Coleman partner Wendie Childress. Chloe was a counselor at the same camp.
“The Gray Reed family is shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of Chloe Childress,” said Gray Reed managing partner Kyle Sanders. “She lived to serve others and to make the world better with her contagious joy, grace, and faith. She bravely and courageously carried out that mission to the end, and now her legacy shines brightly through the countless lives she impacted. Our deepest sympathies and most fervent prayers are with her family during these tender days.”
The Childress family, in a written statement to KHOU-TV, stated that their daughter Chloe “lived a beautiful life that saturated those around her with contagious joy, unending grace and abiding faith.”
“Returning as a counselor to the place that she loved so dearly, Chloe was looking forward to dedicating her summer days to loving and mentoring young girls at Camp Mystic,” the family said in the statement. “While we know that her joy is now eternal and her faith has become sight, our hearts are shattered by this loss and the similar heartbreak of other families like ours.”
Officials with the State Bar of Texas said Monday that they are working to coordinate their response efforts regarding the strategy. One issue has been that the Kerr County Bar Association is undergoing a reorganization and does not have an active operation at this time. There are 151 lawyers licensed to practice in Kerr County.
Kerr County court officials told The Lawbook on Monday that the courthouse in Kerrville was undamaged and remained open for operations.
Texas Lawbook publisher Brooks Igo issued the following statement Monday:
“Our team at The Texas Lawbook extends our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by the devastating flooding in Central Texas. The loss of life, the destruction of homes and the disruption of communities weigh heavily on us all. To those who have lost loved ones or know someone who has, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this profoundly difficult time.
We also wish to express our deepest admiration and gratitude to the first responders — firefighters, police officers, emergency medical teams and community volunteers — who risked their own safety to protect others. Your dedication in the face of danger exemplifies the very best of Texas.
As the state grieves and reflects, honoring the memories of those taken too soon, we understand that no words can express the depth of sorrow these communities and families are experiencing, but please know that you are not alone in your grief.”
