Laura Pratt has been selected to receive the esteemed Daniel H. Benson Public Service Award from the Texas Tech Law Alumni Association.
The award recognizes an alumnus who has demonstrated significant and substantial contributions to furthering ideals of public service in the law. Pratt, a 2009 graduate of Texas Tech University School of Law, said she is deeply honored to receive an award based on lawyers giving back in their communities and other areas of influence.
“Lawyers are in a unique position to serve others, not just in our legal practices, but also through selflessly and steadily giving our time and talents to make a difference to underserved members of our communities.,” Pratt said. “There is an abundance of opportunities for those who love the law and have a heart to serve others, and I hope to continue to encourage and empower others to seek those opportunities out.”
Pratt is very active in bar service and leadership, serving as Vice President for the Texas Young Lawyers Association, and on the board of directors for the Lubbock Area Bar Association and the Lubbock County Young Lawyers Association. She was also appointed to the Administration of the Rules of Evidence Committee for the State Bar of Texas in 2019. She has received numerous awards and various recognitions for her service to the bar and her community, including being named a 2020-2021 honoree for On The Rise Top 40 Young Lawyers from the American Bar Association.
Pratt can often be found speaking to students, lawyers, and other professionals on various legal topics or volunteering for advocacy competitions. Also, Pratt is very passionate about serving survivors of sexual violence and sex trafficking. She is President and founding board member for OneVoiceHome, a local nonprofit providing a Haven for survivors of sex trafficking.
When she is not practicing law or volunteering her time to these organizations and more, Pratt practices self-care by spending time with her family. Her husband, Josh, also an amazing educator and servant leader, is her biggest supporter, and they hope to raise their three kids to have a heart for service as well.
Pratt received the Daniel H. Benson Public Service Award on October 23 at the Texas Tech University School of Law during the Texas Tech Law School Alumni Tailgate. The award is named in honor of longtime Tech Law Professor Daniel H. Benson, who passed away in 2011.