Sam A. Lindsay

Professional career

• After law school, Lindsay held a position as a staff attorney for the Texas Aeronautics Commission from 1977 to 1979. He then joined the Dallas City Attorney's Office, where he held multiple positions: head of the Federal Litigation Section (1979–1986), Chief of the Litigation Division/Executive Assistant City Attorney (1986–1990), First Assistant City Attorney (1990–1991), Acting City Attorney (1991), and City Attorney (1992–1998),.
• City attorney, Dallas, TX, 1992-1998
• acting city attorney, 1991-present
• first assistant city attorney, 1990-1991
• chief, Litigation Division and executive assistant city attorney, 1986-1990
• head, Federal Litigation Section, 1979-1986
• City Attorney's Office, Dallas, TX, 1979-1991
• Staff attorney, Texas Aeronautics Commission, 1977-1979

Judicial service

• Judge, District Court, N.D. Texas, 1998-present
• On November 8, 1997, President Bill Clinton nominated Lindsay to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, created by 104 Stat. 5089. He was confirmed unanimously by the Senate on March 11, 1998, and received his commission on March 17, 1998. Lindsay became the first African American federal judge in Dallas. He has chambers in Dallas, Texas and is licensed to practice in multiple courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Judge Lindsay emphasizes good faith settlement discussions, structured scheduling orders, and the use of electronic equipment in trials. He is addressed as “Your Honor” and maintains specific courtroom protocols, including time limits for opening statements and rules for exhibits.

Education

• University of Texas School of Law
• St. Mary's University

Personal record

Born 1951 · San Antonio, TX