Sarah B. Landau

Former Appellate Judge and Federal Defender Serving Clients with Integrity

Sarah Beth “Sorcha” Landau brings unmatched legal insight to Roberts Markland LLP, shaped by her prestigious tenure as a Justice on Texas’s First Court of Appeals and her wide-ranging experience in appellate, trial, and commercial litigation.

Judicial Experience: Texas First Court of Appeals

During her six-year term on the First Court of Appeals, Sorcha authored hundreds of opinions across civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile law. She championed judicial efficiency by launching innovative practices, introducing advanced opinion-drafting tools, and streamlining bail appeal procedures. She also founded the court’s intern program, led attorney recruitment efforts, and created a popular public wedding program at the court.

Former Assistant Federal Public Defender

Before her judicial service, Sorcha served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender, representing clients at trial and on appeal—including appearances before the U.S. Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit. She secured multiple favorable outcomes, including a not-guilty jury verdict in her first federal trial.

Background in Complex Commercial Litigation

Earlier in her career, Sorcha worked at Vinson & Elkins LLP, where she handled cases involving securities fraud, antitrust, environmental law, and fiduciary litigation. She began her legal career clerking for the Hon. Vanessa D. Gilmore (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas), managing a wide range of matters including ERISA and employment discrimination.

Legal Educator and Bar Leader

An adjunct professor at Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Sorcha taught appellate litigation to upper-level students. She remains actively engaged with the Houston Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas, frequently speaking on topics such as professionalism, civil litigation, and criminal justice.

Education and Language Proficiency

Sorcha earned her J.D. from Columbia Law School, where she served as Notes Editor of the Journal of Transnational Law. She graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota with degrees in Economics and Political Science, and minors in Statistics and Japanese. She is fluent in Japanese and proficient in French and Spanish.

Community-Focused and Justice-Driven

Sorcha’s work reflects a deep commitment to justice, mentorship, and public service. She continues to contribute to the Houston community through civic and professional initiatives, combining legal excellence with compassion. As a former judge and seasoned trial lawyer, Sorcha brings a unique perspective to complex personal injury matters. Her appellate experience is especially valuable in cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death claims, and disputes that may require higher court review. Clients seeking a Houston personal injury attorney with federal court experience can trust Sorcha’s commitment to justice and her ability to deliver exceptional results.

Ready to work with a proven legal leader? Contact Roberts Markland LLP to schedule a consultation with Sorcha Landau today.