Lori C. Hockett

Areas of Practice: Collaborative Family Law and Legal Consultation

Lori Hockett joined Underwood Perkins in January 2015 as Of Counsel after serving as presiding judge of the 255th District Family Court in Dallas County for eight years. While on the bench, Lori handled hundreds of complex property and child custody cases and has been Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1996. As an Assistant District Attorney in Dallas and later in private practice, Lori developed her trial skills and gained a unique perspective that allows her to assist families as they work through the transition of divorce and custody disputes. Now, Lori focuses her practice on “collaborative family law” cases where the parties commit to resolving their disputes without using the court system. With the help of specially trained collaborative lawyers as well as financial and mental health professionals trained to work as neutrals, the team works together to reach a positive resolution for both sides, instead of forcing them to square off against each other and inflict more pain through litigation. Lori’s experience as a family court judge and a family lawyer maximizes her ability to successfully guide both parties in the collaborative process. She has experienced firsthand the damage that results both financially and emotionally when families seek court intervention to resolve their issues. Lori can assist her clients to both find the best solutions and help foster and maintain a civil relationship for the whole family for years to come. Lori also has a mediation practice. See her website http://www.hockettmediation.com/ for more information.

Education

Juris Doctor, cum laude, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
Bachelor of Science - Baylor University

Professional History

Admitted to Texas Bar - 1989 Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Past President of the Annette Stewart Inn of Courts
Dallas County Juvenile Board - 2007-2013

Professional Affiliations

Member, Collaborative Alliance Member, Dallas Bar Association Family Law Section Member, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists