EDITOR’S NOTE: The following was written by Manny Newburger of Barron & Newburger.
We are sad to announce the passing of our firm’s founder, Barbara M. Barron. Although her health declined in recent years she continued to practice actively until the end.
Barbara was a graduate of Barnard College, Columbia University, and the university of Texas School of Law. Prior to founding Barbara M. Barron & Associates (which later became Barron & Newburger, P.C.,) she was an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas.
Barbara’s private practice always involved bankruptcy and insolvency work, but in the early years she also did radio and television station acquisitions. She handled every aspect of bankruptcy practice, helping businesses successfully reorganize and representing creditors, creditors’ committees, and trustees, and even serving as a Chapter 11 trustee. She was proud of her ability to help business survive financial difficulties and reorganize into successful organizations.
Barbara has served as Chair of the Bankruptcy Section of the Commercial Law League of America and as both a board member and the past President of the Bankruptcy Section of the Austin Bar Association. She was active for over three decades in the CLLA, where she formed many friendships that enriched her life.
Barbara was also very active in charitable and pro bono activities and a tireless advocate for a number of charitable and community organizations. She received the Constant Gardener Award from Advocacy, Inc. in 2008 and the 2013 Volunteer of the Year Award from Jewish Family Services of Austin. She Chaired the Business Advisory Council of Community Options, served on the Metropolitan Board of the YMCA of Austin, chaired the Program Services Branch of the YMCA, chaired the Board of Jewish Family Services of Austin, and developed the Patient Partners program for Jewish Family Services of Austin. She was instrumental in establishing the Debt Counseling Clinic to assist the Legal Aid Society of Central Texas, and she organized the Insolvency Support Group in Austin — one of the first groups of its kind in the United States.
We do not have funeral details, nor do we have the details as to any charities to whom she would want contributions. As we receive further information, we will pass it on to each of you.
Barbara will be missed by all whose lives she touched.
