Maryann Sarris BrousseauIn Memoriam
Maryann lived to stand up for others – both in her legal work and in her community. She balanced compassion and a fighting spirit to find victory in even the most challenging of cases or circumstances.
As a strategic thinker and energetic multi-tasker, Maryann practiced law for decades, and over the years she prevailed for her clients in many pinnacle cases. She thrived on helping clients who faced sometimes insurmountable challenges — often making such an impact on them that these relationships formed into lifelong friendships.
Maryann had a close-knit family that meant the world to her. Her faith, family, and work were the primary pillars of her life, and she incorporated her personal values into the firm culture at Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill. She believed in nothing less than complete devotion to her work and family and refused to neglect one for the sake of the other.
Maryann also believed that education is a necessity for success in life and devoted considerable time in helping educational institutions and organizations who assist the underserved. Her impact on the community she served is beyond measure.
Maryann’s favorite quote was “Remember the 3 A’s: ability, availability, and affability.” It’s a saying that her father always used and one which became Maryann’s principle in life and as the leader of the firm. As the founder of Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill, and as a mentor to each member of the firm, she led by example, reminding everyone to always do their best, while also being accessible and friendly with each other, clients and colleagues. This remains the guiding tenet of Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill and the way the firm will continue to honor her legacy.
Educational Background
Southern Methodist University School of Law,
Dallas, Texas, J.D., 1984; LL.M Taxation, 1985
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas
B.B.A., cum laude 1981
The Hockaday School, Dallas, Texas, cum laude 1978
Bar Admissions
Admitted to Practice Law, Texas Supreme Court, 1984
U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
Professional Associations
Member of the Texas Bar Association and Texas Bar Foundation
Life Fellow
Member of the Dallas Bar Association and Dallas Bar Foundation
Life Fellow
Member of the American Bar Association and American Bar Foundation
Life Fellow
Former Member, State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee
District 6A
Member of Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
Civic Activities
The Hockaday School
-Board of Trustees Chairman, 2013-2015
-Vice Chair, 2009-2012
-Secretary, 2008
-Executive Committee, 2007-present
-Chairman, Centennial Capital Campaign, 2008-2013
-President, Parents’ Association, 2001-2002
The St. Mark’s School of Texas
-Board of Trustees, 2005-2008
-President, Parents’ Association, 2005-2006
University of Texas Southwestern
-President’s Advisory Board of Trustees, 2017-present
Cristo Rey Dallas College Preparatory School
-Board of Trustees, 2018-present
-Chair, Presidential Search Committee
-Co-Chair, Grow the Grove 2018-2019
-Chair, Strategic Planning Committee
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School/Heart and Lung Foundation
-Board of Trustees, 2006-2016
-Co-Chair, Legends 2008
Planned Parenthood of North Texas
-Board of Trustees, 2005-2009
-Chair, Annual Awards Luncheon, 2006
Children’s Medical Center Foundation
-Chair, Circle of Friends, 2003
Crystal Charity Ball
-Member, 1997-present
-Board of Directors, 2000
-Treasurer, 2000
Girls, Inc.
-Board of Trustees, 2002-2005
-Chair, Awards Luncheon, 2004
Parkland Hospital Foundation
-Board of Directors, 1998-2002
TACA
-Board of Directors, 2000-2004
-Chair, Silver Cup Luncheon, 2002
Genesis Women’s Shelter Auxiliary
-Board of Directors, 2000-2002
-Chair, Annual Luncheon, 2000
Bryan’s House/Open Arms, Inc.
-Board of Directors, 1996-2002
Junior League of Dallas
-Financial Vice President/Treasurer, 1997-1998
-Board of Directors, 1995-1996; 1997-1998
-Junior League Sustainer
Hockaday Alumnae Association
-Board of Directors
-Secretary, 1992-1993
-Vice-President Development 1993-1994
-Leadership Dallas Graduate, 1992
-Leadership Dallas Alumnae Association
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
-Board of Trustees, 1988-1993
-President, 1990-1993
Honors and Professional Accomplishments
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
Reported Case: Robbins v. Capozzi, 100 S.W.3d 18
(Tex. App.—Tyler 2002)
D Magazine, Best Lawyers in Dallas (2010)
Speaker, “The Fundamentals of Debt Collection,” November 2010
Power to Potential Seminar, Women’s Business Council – SW
Personal History
Married to Frank Mihalopoulos with three children and two grandchildren