Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
Current Justice, 15th Court of Appeals. Previously Justice on the Third Court of Appeals and Judge of the 480th District Court, Williamson County. Eleven years as judge; 20 years private practice.
Ethics
How will you ensure your rulings remain impartial and free from both political pressure and the interests of your campaign donors?
Our campaign donations are limited to small amounts that will not influence decisions. I comply with those limits. Many news outlets have correctly written on our court’s judicial independence. I do not allow politics to play a role in deciding a case.
Equity
What barriers prevent Texans from accessing the court system, and what can courts do to reduce those barriers?
For an appeals court, the barriers are fewer than in other courts. But one barrier is the cost of the trial court record for litigants. My hope is that measures can be taken to reduce those costs, whether it be from free access to clerk’s records or use of AI to streamline record preparation.
Precedent
: What factors should the Court of Appeals consider when deciding whether to change a past court ruling?
As a court of appeals, we are bound to follow Texas Supreme Court precedent. Absent a new case from that court that is in conflict with a prior ruling, then the other cause for a change would be a new or modified law created by the Legislature. We do not make law, we follow it; we would therefore ensure that our cases follow any new or modified law.
Philosophy
What is your judicial philosophy?
To apply the law in every case as written, without regard for who wins or loses a given case. In other words, no matter who the parties to the case or the lawyers involved in the case are, my decisions cannot and will not change.
