Dr. Shelly Skeen

Biography

Shelly Skeen is an Adjunct Professor specializing in Civil Rights and Gender Law at Texas Law University. With over 25 years of experience as a practicing attorney, she has developed a reputation as a seasoned litigator, appellate practitioner, mediator, and arbitrator. Skeen is the South-Central Regional Director of Lambda Legal, the oldest and largest national civil rights legal organization dedicated to achieving full lived equality for LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV through impact litigation, public policy advocacy, and education. She has contributed significantly to the legal community by serving as Chair of the LGBTQ Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and as President of the Dallas LGBT Bar Association. Additionally, Professor Skeen is a frequent speaker and author on LGBTQ+ legal issues, contributing her expertise to the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and several law schools, including the University of Texas School of Law and UNT Dallas College of Law. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she received the Franklin Jones Award from the Texas Bar College and the Judge Black Award from the LGBTQ Law Section for her advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. Skeen has also actively participated in continuing legal education efforts, serving on the CLE Committee for the State Bar of Texas for over seven years.

Research Interests