J. Turner Thornton, a partner at Varghese Summersett, has been selected by Texas A&M Law as a 2024 Alumni Legacy Award recipient — a prestigious honor that recognizes seven outstanding law school alumni each year.
Thornton, who oversees Varghese Summersett’s Family Law Division, received the Private Practice Achievement Award. Each year, the Alumni Legacy Awards recognize exceptional law school alumni for their individual achievements, contributions to their professions, service to their communities, and loyalty to Texas A&M University School of Law.
“This is an incredible honor,” said Thornton, who received his Juris Doctor in 2012. “I am deeply grateful to the Alumni Board of Directors of Texas A&M Law for this recognition. It’s a privilege to be selected alongside such distinguished alumni, and I am proud to contribute to our profession and community.”
Thornton and six other alumni award recipients were honored on October 12 during the law school’s 4th Annual Alumni Legacy Awards reception at the Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel.
“It is one of our greatest honors to recognize our alumni for their incredible accomplishments, both in the practice of law and in our communities at large,” said Derek McKee, president of the Texas A&M Law Alumni Board of Directors.
Thornton is a partner at Varghese Summersett, one of the largest and fastest-growing family law, personal injury, and criminal defense practices in North Texas. He oversees the firm’s Family Law Division, managing a 17-member team of attorneys and paralegals working in the firm’s three office locations. Under his leadership, the Family Law Division has experienced remarkable growth—both fiscally and physically—including acquiring a renowned family law firm in Keller last year and opening a new office in Southlake earlier this year.
In addition to his successful legal career, Thornton is deeply devoted to his community. He serves on the Board of the Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association and is involved in numerous charitable activities and community programs. Perhaps most importantly, he has made a significant impact on hundreds of clients, helping them through some of life’s greatest challenges.
“Turner embodies the values of integrity, excellence, leadership, and selfless service,” said Benson Varghese, managing partner of Varghese Summersett. “His achievements and contributions serve as an inspiration to current and future law students, showcasing the incredible potential that can be achieved through hard work and dedication.”
Anna Summersett, a partner at Varghese Summersett and also a Texas A&M Law alumnus, agreed.
“Turner is not only an exceptional lawyer, but just a remarkable person,” she said. “He is truly deserving of this recognition and we are proud to have him on the Varghese Summersett team.”
Fourth Annual Alumni Legacy Awards Recipients
Judge Joe Spurlock II ’60 Alumnus of the Year Award
Hon. Justin Lewis ’12
County Judge, Hill County
Rising Star Award
Hon. Nicole Munoz Huschka ’15
Associate Judge, Texas Civil District Courts in Dallas
Private Practice Achievement Award
J. Turner Thornton ’12
Partner, Varghese Summersett PLLC
Public/Non-Profit Sector Achievement Award
Kayla Dailey ’16
Executive Director, Tarrant County Bar Association
Community Impact
Stuart Campbell ’17
Managing Attorney, Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center
Outstanding Legal Masters Alumni Award
Dr. John Harrison Watts ’20
Professor of Business Administration, Our Lady of the Lake University
Dean Emeritus Frank W. Elliott Dean’s Advocate Award
Betsy Price
Former Mayor, City of Fort Worth
