Attorney J. Turner Thornton — a partner at Varghese Summersett who leads the firm’s Family Law Division — has been named to Fort Worth Inc.’s prestigious 40 Under 40 list, recognizing the city’s most dynamic leaders under age 40.
Thornton and the other honorees were celebrated on Thursday, February 12, during a reception at River Ranch Stockyards. He is also featured in this month’s edition of Fort Worth Inc. magazine.
“I’m honored to have been selected along with such exceptional men and women,” Thornton said. “We all come from different personal and professional backgrounds, but we are motivated by the same purpose: to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.”
The Fort Worth 40 Under 40 awards recognize rising leaders across Greater Fort Worth who are making a lasting impact in business and the community. Each year, 40 high-achieving professionals under the age of 40 are selected through a rigorous nomination and review process that evaluates career accomplishments, leadership influence, and civic engagement.
The program, which has honored exceptional talent in Tarrant County for decades, is widely regarded as a prestigious local award— identifying the next generation of leaders shaping the region’s future.
Thornton’s selection reflects the remarkable growth and leadership he has demonstrated since launching Varghese Summersett’s Family Law Division in 2021. What began as a new practice area has quickly become one of the region’s most prominent family law teams. In fewer than four years, he has built and now leads a 17-member division spanning Fort Worth, Southlake, and Dallas.
Beyond his professional achievements, Thornton has made a meaningful impact across the Fort Worth community. A skilled litigator, negotiator, and mediator, he has guided hundreds of families through complex and emotionally charged legal matters, helping them move forward with clarity and stability.
He also dedicates his time to service and philanthropy — serving as an elected board member of the Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association, serving on the school board of FUMC Dayschool, chairing the Wayne Ward Memorial Golf Tournament, and supporting scholarships for students with autism and Down Syndrome.
In 2024, he was honored with the Texas A&M School of Law Alumni Legacy Award, recognizing leaders who demonstrate excellence in their profession and a lasting commitment to their communities.
Thornton’s leadership, service, and vision continue to shape not only his firm, but the broader legal landscape of North Texas.
Thornton is not the first attorney at Varghese Summersett to receive this esteemed award. Last year, Ty Stimpson, a partner who leads the firm’s Personal Injury Division, received the award. The year before that, Anna Summersett, co-founder of the firm, received the distinction — underscoring the firm’s continued commitment to excellence and leadership within the Fort Worth community.
“Turner’s recognition is well-deserved,” said Managing Partner Benson Varghese. “He sets that bar that others strive to reach. And we are proud to have had a Fort Worth 40 Under 40 honoree three years in a row. It reflects the depth of leadership within our firm and our commitment to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.”
