Judge DeVasto has recently been elected as a member of the American Law Institute, arguably one of the most preeminent legal organizations in the country.

The American Law Institute was organized in 1923 following a study conducted by a group of prominent American judges, lawyers, and teachers known as "The Committee on the Establishment of a Permanent Organization for the Improvement of the Law."   The Institute s bylaws authorize an elected membership of 3,000. This membership consists of judges, lawyers, and law teachers from all areas of the United States as well as some foreign countries, selected on the basis of professional achievement and demonstrated interest in the improvement of the law.

Judge DeVasto is one of only three members of the American Law Institute in the East Texas area.