Retired Judge Barbara Lynn Reflects on Historic Legal Journey

In August 2022, after more than 25 years on the bench, retired U.S. District Court Judge Barbara Lynn concluded her distinguished career as the first female Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Initially appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1999, Lynn paved the way for women in law, achieving numerous milestones during her tenure. Now a partner at the Dallas-based litigation firm Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann LLP, she shares her reflections on her judicial experience and future endeavors.

A Legacy of Judicial Fairness

Throughout her career, Lynn focused on administering justice without bias. “I didn’t show my politics in my decision-making,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to fairness in the courtroom. Lynn’s journey to judicial confirmation was not without challenges; her nomination was pending for nearly a year, a period she commemorated with a lighthearted luncheon hosted by friends. Gifts included humorous items like a large rubber gavel and even a fake news article asking, “What is Judge Lynn wearing under her robe?”

Reflecting on her toughest cases, Lynn highlighted the challenges of overseeing public servants. The bribery and money laundering case involving former Dallas Mayor Pro-Tempore Don Hill deeply affected her. “It was a betrayal to our city,” she remarked. Another significant case involved Husein Smadi, who attempted to detonate a bomb in a Dallas skyscraper. Lynn opted for a lesser sentence of 24 years, citing Smadi’s youth and troubled background as factors in her decision.

Transitioning to New Horizons

As she embarks on her next chapter, Lynn aims to focus on mediation and arbitration, areas closely aligned with her judicial expertise. She plans to attend the prestigious Harvard mediation training program, with aspirations for trial consulting and strategic support to attorneys. “I’m going to look at it from a judge’s perspective,” she explained, underscoring her desire to aid legal professionals.

The change from a federal judge’s salary of approximately $250,000 to a new hourly rate of $2,500 reflects her continued commitment to the legal field. “I’m charging $25,000 to $30,000 for a mediation,” she noted, indicating her confidence in this next phase of her career.

With her retirement, Lynn feels free to share her views on pressing judicial matters. She expressed concerns about the Supreme Court’s increasing conservatism and the implications of its shadow docket, which sometimes allows decisions without full opinions. “It makes it very difficult for trial judges to know what the law is when they consider the next case,” she stated.

In support of judicial independence, Lynn recently joined the Article III Coalition, a group of retired federal judges advocating for a fair judiciary. She believes that retired judges should have a voice in the ongoing conversation about judicial matters, particularly as many cannot publicly defend themselves.

As she reflects on her career, Lynn acknowledges the emotional toll of sentencing. “It’s hard, even when they deserve it,” she said. “You can’t read someone’s mind. You can’t see the future or know if they will be rehabilitated.”

Lynn’s journey from a groundbreaking judicial role to a new career chapter exemplifies her dedication to justice, a commitment that continues to shape her contributions to the legal community.