Qualifications: What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
ISSUES: What are the two (2) most pressing issues that you will face in the office that you seek? Describe your specific plans/ideas for addressing these issues.
Jerry Simoneaux
I have served as Judge of Harris County Probate Court 1 since January 2019, preceded by five years as Associate Judge of Houston Municipal Courts. I also served as Assistant State Presiding Judge of the Statutory Probate Courts (2023-2025).
Before taking the bench, I practiced probate, trust, guardianship, and fiduciary litigation for 17 years.
I graduated in 2001 with a J.D. from South Texas College of Law and completed Harvard Law School's Judicial Executive Leadership Program in 2024. I founded the Texas Probate Law American Inn of Court.
I consistently score in the top 1% of judges in the Houston Bar Association's Judicial Evaluation Poll and have received multiple honors, including the Judge Merrill Hartman Pro Bono Judge Award.
Before taking the bench, I practiced probate, trust, guardianship, and fiduciary litigation for 17 years.
I graduated in 2001 with a J.D. from South Texas College of Law and completed Harvard Law School's Judicial Executive Leadership Program in 2024. I founded the Texas Probate Law American Inn of Court.
I consistently score in the top 1% of judges in the Houston Bar Association's Judicial Evaluation Poll and have received multiple honors, including the Judge Merrill Hartman Pro Bono Judge Award.
Issue 1: Overwhelming Dockets
Harris County's five probate courts serve nearly 5 million residents with case volumes straining capacity. I will advocate with Commissioners Court for increased funding to hire additional staff, using case management data to demonstrate need.
Issue 2: Systemic Infrastructure Deficiency
Long-term, we need at least one additional statutory probate court. I led the effort that created Probate Court 5 in 2023, demonstrating this can be accomplished. I will work with fellow probate judges, Commissioners Court, and legislators to build support for continued expansion, leveraging relationships with the Texas College of Probate Judges and State Bar leadership.
Harris County's five probate courts serve nearly 5 million residents with case volumes straining capacity. I will advocate with Commissioners Court for increased funding to hire additional staff, using case management data to demonstrate need.
Issue 2: Systemic Infrastructure Deficiency
Long-term, we need at least one additional statutory probate court. I led the effort that created Probate Court 5 in 2023, demonstrating this can be accomplished. I will work with fellow probate judges, Commissioners Court, and legislators to build support for continued expansion, leveraging relationships with the Texas College of Probate Judges and State Bar leadership.
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