Lori L. Ordiway has built a distinguished career centered on appellate law and public service. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas School of Law, Lori began her career at the Fifth District Court of Appeals in Dallas, where she honed her appellate skills as a Briefing Attorney, Research Attorney, and Staff Attorney.
Lori later moved to the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office’s appellate division, where she would eventually serve as its Chief—once from 1999 to 2007, and then again from 2015 to 2018. In this pivotal role, she oversaw a team of attorneys handling complex appellate cases. Under her leadership, the office achieved numerous legal victories and implemented initiatives such as the successful coordination of Dallas County’s first Expunction Expos in 2017 and 2018.
Beyond her public service, Lori has also excelled in private practice, specializing in criminal appeals and post-conviction relief. Her reputation as a formidable advocate is evidenced by a strong track record of success in both direct appeals and habeas corpus proceedings.
Lori is deeply committed to her community. She has served on the boards of several school PTAs, the Jewish Community Center of Dallas, and the Dallas Jewish Historical Society. A sought-after speaker at legal conferences, she has also held leadership positions in various community organizations.
Lori is admitted to practice law in Texas and Pennsylvania and has been recognized for her dedication to both her profession and her community.
