Emory graduate, Atlanta attorney killed in July 4th Texas floods

Emory grad, Atlanta lawyer remembered after dying in Texas flooding

Josephine Hardin and her mother were in Texas for the holiday when the flooding hit. Both of them died, according to the law firm.

KERR COUNTY, TX - An Atlanta-based lawyer and her mother died in the deadly July 4th Texas flooding, according to the woman's law firm.

What they're saying:

Huff, Powell & Bailey said Josephine Hardin and her mother were in Texas for the holiday when the flooding hit. Both of them died, according to the law firm.

Hardin worked for the firm after graduating from Emory University School of Law in 2023, it said.

While in school at Emory, the firm said she served as the editor-in-chief of the Emory International Law Review and was designated a David J. Bederman Fellow of International Law.

Emory released a statement on her passing. "We remember Josephine warmly. She was a buoyant, positive, smart, engaged, and beloved member of Emory Law. I cannot imagine the pain her family, friends, and loved ones are experiencing at this moment. But I know that all of Emory Law – faculty, staff, students, and alumni – hold them in our thoughts. We hope for peace and comfort for them. And Josephine will never be forgotten in our community," said Richard Freer, dean of the school. 

The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation said Hardin volunteered with its Saturday Lawyer Program. "She was passionate about using her legal skills to serve those most in need and often inspired her colleagues to join her in this work," a post on Facebook read.

The law firm said Hardinalso volunteered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the Georgia Society of Healthcare Risk Managers.

"In the coming days and weeks, the firm will observe a period of mourning to honor Josephine’s memory and her impactful contributions to this firm, our clients, and the Atlanta legal community," it said.