It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our founder, mentor and guiding light, Maryann Sarris Brousseau, on October 24, 2020.
Maryann started practicing law in 1984, partnering with her own mentor, Peter Chantilis, for a little over a decade before starting her own law firm in 1997. Maryann cut her teeth in the bankruptcy courts of the tumultuous 1980s, fine-tuning her natural ability to think on her feet to grasp legal arguments seemingly out of thin air. Early in her career, Maryann built a reputation as a tough yet pragmatic litigator.
Over time, in order to better serve her clients’ needs, Maryann expanded her practice to include real estate, family law, business litigation, probate and employment. Maryann believed that, as a generalist, she could counsel her clients through all stages of their professional and personal lives, and that understanding multiple areas of law enriched her approach to her clients’ issues. Representing individuals and small business owners like herself, Maryann was always on call for her clients and she would take on their legal issues as if they were her own.
While her razor-sharp mind, memory for detail and persuasive abilities would lead clients to seek her counsel, her pragmatism, empathy and passion would turn her clients into lifelong relationships.
The same dedication she showed to her clients, Maryann showed to her colleagues. She believed that her law firm was her family, and she treated everyone who worked with her that way. She expected hard work from the entire team, yet was always ready to help, and quick to share praise when it was due. She led by example, equipping each attorney and staff member with the skills they needed to provide the best service to the firm’s clients.
Maryann’s leadership also extended to the community. A graduate of The Hockaday School, she served on the board of trustees and chaired the centennial campaign, which, among other accomplishments, resulted in a $20 million gift to the school from a single donor. She was an active member of Dallas’ Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, serving as the first and only woman president of the Parish Council from 1990 to 1993. Under her leadership, she orchestrated the relocation and building of the Greek Orthodox Church from Swiss Avenue to its present facilities at Hillcrest and Alpha.
She took care of everyone around her; her joy and passion were infectious, her energy limitless. Although she held herself and the firm to the highest standards, she would always remind everyone that laughter and joy are elements of a successful practice, as well as a well balanced and fulfilling life outside of the office.
Maryann will be greatly missed by her family and friends, her colleagues, her community, and all those whose lives she touched.
Those wishing to honor her memory are welcome to donate to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church’s memorial fund in her honor, or to The Maryann Sarris Mihalopoulos ’78 Endowed Financial Aid Fund at The Hockaday School.
