About
Cindy Olson Bourland
Cindy Olson Bourland is a fifth-generation native of Round Rock, Texas. She attended Southwestern University in Georgetown and the University of Texas School of Law in Austin.
She has extensive experience in trial and appellate cases in state and federal courts.
From 2015–2018, she served as a Justice on the Texas Third Court of Appeals. In 2019, Cindy returned to private practice. She currently handles business litigation and civil appeals.
Several cases that she handled in private practice have resulted in Texas Supreme Court opinions that are cited throughout Texas.
Practice Areas
Education
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SCHOOL OF LAW
Austin, Texas; Doctor of Jurisprudence, 1994
SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Georgetown, Texas; Bachelor of Arts in English, 1989
Professional Recognition
• Member, Texas Judicial Compensation Commission, 2021
• Honoree, State Bar of Texas Resolution, 2019
• Distinguished Professional Award, Southwestern University, 2016
• Congressional Record Commendation by Rep. John Carter, 2015
• Austin Business Journal, “Profiles in Power” Winner, 2010
• Texas Top Verdicts in Intellectual Property, 2009
• Texas Super Lawyers, 2007–2011
• Austin Under 40 Award in Law, 2003
• Austin Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, 2003
• Featured in Texas Bar Journal article “I Love My Lawyer,” October 2003
• Austin Business Journal, “Best of Business Attorneys,” 2006
• Pathfinder Award, Travis County Women Lawyers Association, 2004
• AW Media Woman’s Way Spirit Award, 2014
• President, Austin Young Lawyers Association, 2000–01
• Life Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
• Life Fellow, Austin Bar Association Foundation
• Life Fellow, Austin Young Lawyers Association Foundation
• Former Adjunct Professor, University of Texas School of Law
• Niemann Cup Award, The University of Texas School of Law
• National Order of Barristers, The University of Texas School of Law
• Namesake, Cindy Olson Bourland Outstanding Member Award, The University of Texas School of Law
Affiliations
• Texas Supreme Court Historical Society, 2018–present
• National Association of Women Judges, 2018–present
• Brazos River Authority Board of Directors, 2011–2014
• Southwestern University Alumni Council, Lifelong Learning Chair, 2013–2015
• Southwestern University Board of Visitors, 2011–2015
• Austin Bar Foundation Board of Directors, 2012–2014
• Austin Bar Association, 1994–present
• Williamson County Bar Association; 2005–present
• Travis County Women Lawyers Association
• Robert W. Calvert Chapter of The American Inns of Court, 1997–2000
• Palm Valley Lutheran Church Personnel Committee, 2011–2014
• Palm Valley Lutheran Church
• Williamson County Old Settlers Association, 2010–present
• Williamson County Inn of Court; 2017–present
• Former Texas Rangers Association, 2014–present
• Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International
• Member, Mensa
Background
Investiture – March 2015
Her late husband, Mike Bourland, was a DPS officer. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hosting parties, and reading about Texas history.
Cindy was in private practice for over 20 years prior to being appointed by the Governor in 2015 to fill a vacancy on the Texas Third Court of Appeals. Cindy served on the Third Court of Appeals for four years, authoring more than 400 opinions during that time.
Since January 2019, she has been back in private practice handling business litigation and civil appeals.
Community Activities
• Commendation for Saving a Life, Williamson County Commissioners Court
• Williamson County Capital IDEA, 2006–present
• Scott & White Hospital, Healing Garden Campaign, 2008
• Committees and Member, Palm Valley Lutheran Church
• Leadership Round Rock, 2011
• Leadership Austin, 2003
• Board of Directors, Conspirare, 2002–03
• Delegate, People to People Ambassadors Trip to Cuba, December 2002
• Volunteer, Volunteer Legal Services (handled pro bono cases), 1994–2012
• Volunteer, Ask An Attorney Television Program (legal advice to callers), 2001
• Volunteer, AYLA Holiday Baskets / AYLA Christmas for Kids, 1999–2001
• Volunteer, American Heart Association Benefit, 1996–97
• Tutor, Williamson County Literacy Council, 1988–1992
Significant Cases Handled in Private Practice
• City of Round Rock v. Hegar: Administrative Rule Challenge, 2021
• Extensive research and writing relating to judicial selection methods in other
states, 2019
• Energy Strong Solutions, LLC v. LGNT, et al: Contract Dispute, 2019
• United MedEvac Solutions v. Angel Staffing: Contract Dispute, 2014
• Neely v. Wilson: First Amendment, 2014
• City of Round Rock v. Union Pacific Railroad: Implied Dedication, 2013
• ADCO Advertising v. Barron: Lanham Act, 2012
• Rightson v. Garden Ridge: Commercial Lease, 2011
• Smiley Networks v. Li: Trade Secret Misappropriation, 2010
• College Network v. Moore Education Publishers: Lanham Act, 2009
• Fabbio v. TL Ventures: Venture Fund Contract/Fraud Arbitration, 2009
• In re Godwin: First Amendment, 2009
• Sutton v. Real County: Implied Dedication, 1999
• Crown Life Insurance v. Casteel: Texas Insurance Code, 1997
• Other case information provided upon request