In 1987, the Texas Bar Foundation created the Outstanding Jurist Award to honor an active Federal or State Judge. In 1995, the Foundation received a bequest to the endowment from the estate of Mrs. Samuel Pessarra in honor of her late husband for the purpose of funding the Outstanding Jurist Award. The award was renamed the Samuel Pessarra Outstanding Jurist Award in 1995.

Samuel Pessarra, a native of Quintana, attended Baylor University and Baylor University School of Law. Mr. Pessarra was a member of the Brazoria County Bar Association, where he served as president, director and secretary.

Criteria

Nominees must currently be serving as an active Federal or State Judge. Retired judges or judges of senior status are eligible if they continue to be active on the bench. The nominee must have served on the bench for a minimum of 10 years and exhibit an exceptionally outstanding reputation for competency, efficiency and integrity. The nominee may not be opposed while standing for election or re-election during the year in which the award is given.