Commercial trial lawyer who has litigated cases in state and federal courts throughout Texas and across the country.
Litigated a significant number of contested matters and adversary proceedings in bankruptcy courts in the United States.
Serves on Akin’s Management Committee guiding the firm’s operations worldwide and is a member of the firmwide Diversity & ?Inclusion Council.

Lacy has developed a reputation as a “go-to” trial lawyer, with significant experience trying cases in federal and state court and before juries, judges and arbitrators.

She has handled a wide array of complex commercial litigation, including high-stakes financial restructuring and energy-related disputes and matters for telecom, real estate and accounting firm clients. Lacy excels at formulating and executing litigation and trial strategies that obtain results and accomplish her clients’ business and legal objectives.

Representative Work

Trials and Arbitrations

Obtained a complete defense victory after a two-week jury trial in Texas federal court involving a variety of commercial claims and alleged damages in excess of $10 million.
Successfully prosecuted a motion to dismiss in the Southern District of New York and obtained a complete dismissal of all claims by all plaintiffs alleging $120 million in damages.
Successfully represented a coalition of 89 Texas school districts in major litigation related to the adequacy of the school finance system in Texas after the state Legislature reduced school funding by more than $5 billion and achieved a favorable ruling after a bench trial lasting more than three months.

Bankruptcy Litigation and Appeal

Defeated confirmation of the debtors’ plan after a two-week trial in the Central District of California Bankruptcy Court.
Obtained confirmation of a multibillion-dollar plan over the other competing plan after an extended, contested confirmation hearing in the Southern District of Texas Bankruptcy Court.

“She is excellent in all elements of litigation. She is extremely smart and always well prepared.”

Chambers USA, 2023

Education
J.D., University of Texas School of Law, with honors, 2006
B.A., Georgetown University, 2002

Bar Admissions
Texas

Recognitions

Chambers USA, Litigation: General Commercial, Up and Coming, 2023-2024.
Euromoney Legal Media Group, Expert Guides: Rising Star, 2020.
D Magazine, The Best Lawyers in Dallas, 2019.
Super Lawyers, Texas, Civil Litigation: Defense and Business Litigation, Top List: Up-and-Coming 50: Women Texas Rising Star, 2019; Rising Star, 2014-2020.

Affiliations and Public Service

Member, American Bar Association.
Member, State Bar of Texas.
Served as an Associate and Barrister with the Patrick E. Higginbotham American Inn of Court.
Member, board of directors, Dallas Urban Debate Alliance.
Member, Junior League of Dallas.
Lifetime Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation.
Lifetime Fellow, American Bar Foundation.