David A. Sheppard
Attorney at Law
David A. Sheppard
Since obtaining his law license in 1974, David Sheppard’s devotion to his profession and his
community has led him to serve in multiple capacities for a variety of professional and community
service organizations, receiving multiple awards in recognition of his contributions. In keeping with
these recognitions, he enjoys an impeccable reputation for integrity and ability with both prosecutors
and the judiciary. He has been especially gratified by the freedom he has helped win for wrongfully convicted
inmates, including non-DNA exoneration, through the Texas Center for Actual Innocence,
which he helped found.
DAVID A. SHEPPARD
University of Texas (B.A., 1970; J.D., 1974), admitted to Texas bar, 1974, also admitted to practice before U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; U.S. District Court, Western, Northern, and Eastern Districts of Texas.
- BOARD CERTIFIED, CRIMINAL LAW, TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION
(1980 - PRESENT)
- AUSTIN YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
First Annual Outstanding Mentor of the Year Award, 2005
- TRAVIS COUNTY BAR
Founding Life Fellow, 2005-2007
- TEXAS CENTER FOR THE JUDICIARY
Distinguished Service Award, 2003
- STATE BAR OF TEXAS
Professional Enhancement Committee, Chair, 1998 - 2003
- AUSTIN CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
Founding member, Director, 1991-92;
Ambassador Award for Outstanding Service, 1994
- TRAVIS COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
Criminal Law and Procedure Section, President 1980-81
- FEDERAL BAR ASSOCIATION
President, Central Texas Chapter, 1989-90
- U.S. DISTRICT COURT, WESTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS
Admissions Committee, 1995-2003
- TEXAS CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
Director, 1987-1989
Associate Director, 1985-1987
Chairman, Legislative Committee, 1985-1987
- NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS
- ROBERT W. CALVERT AMERICAN INN OF COURT
Founding Member
President, 2001-2002
- LLOYD LOCHRIDGE AMERICAN INN OF COURT
Founding Member
- ADJUNCT PROFESSOR OF LAW, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SCHOOL OF LAW
1985-2002: Criminal Defense Clinic
2005 - Present: Actual Innocence Clinic
- FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF TEXAS CENTER FOR ACTUAL INNOCENCE
- UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
1965-1967
- Listed In:
Best Lawyers in America, since 1996
Texas Monthly Superlawyers
- MEMBER:
Texas Bar Foundation
Austin Bar Foundation
- FELLOW:
American College of Trial Lawyers
First Annual Outstanding Mentor of the Year Award, 2005
Founding Life Fellow, 2005-2007
Distinguished Service Award, 2003
Professional Enhancement Committee, Chair, 1998 - 2003
Founding member, Director, 1991-92;
Ambassador Award for Outstanding Service, 1994
Criminal Law and Procedure Section, President 1980-81
President, Central Texas Chapter, 1989-90
Admissions Committee, 1995-2003
Director, 1987-1989
Associate Director, 1985-1987
Chairman, Legislative Committee, 1985-1987
Founding Member
President, 2001-2002
Founding Member
1985-2002: Criminal Defense Clinic
2005 - Present: Actual Innocence Clinic
1965-1967
Best Lawyers in America, since 1996
Texas Monthly Superlawyers
Texas Bar Foundation
Austin Bar Foundation
American College of Trial Lawyers