1. List all federal or state courts in which you have been admitted to practice.
Admitted to the State Bar of Texas - 11/05/2004
2. Describe your legal education, including activities and honors.
Graduated from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in May 2024. Attended Law School on the Dedman Scholarship and Dean's Scholarship with good standing. Mock Trial, Trial Advocacy, and IRS-Sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Federal Judicial Internship with The Honorable Sydney A. Fitzwater - U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas, Texas from May 2002 through August 2002,
3. Provide your employment history after your graduation from law school, including any judicial clerkships. Include, for each firm or other entity, the entity's name, your area of practice, your length of practice with the entity, the names of supervisors, and your reasons for leaving.
- Assistant and then Attorney with commercial litigation section of Cozen O'Connor in Dallas, TX under partner Martin J. Sweeney(deceased): October 2003 - February 2005; left for better opportunity at Boyd Veigel P.C.
- Attorney (Junior Partner) in civil litigation and family law at Boyd Veigel P.C. in McKinney, TX under senior partner Bill Boyd(deceased): February 2005 - September 2009. The firm dissolved after the unexpected death of Bill Boyd
- Attorney in solo practice Brandon Bell, Attorney at Law: September 2009 - January 2012.
- Associate Attorney with family law section of Bailey & Galyen in Dallas, TX under Deborah Coleman: January 2012 - October 2012; Left for better opportunity at Albin, Yates, Balius, and Roach
- Associate Attorney in civil litigation with Albin, Yates, Balius, and Roach in Plano, TX under partners William Todd Albin and Jeffrey Albert Yates: October 2012 - March 2013.
- Solo Practice through December 2013.
- Attorney practicing civil litigation with McLaughlin, Hutchison & Biard LLP in Paris, TX under senior partner Brad Hutchison: December 2013 - December 2018.
- County Judge in Lamar County TX: January 2019 - Present.
4. For each of the positions described in Question 3, describe the nature of your law practice during that time.
My practice has been primarily civil litigation in each of the above listed positions. I have represented clients in misdemeanor criminal defense cases and a few felony criminal defense cases during my time at Boyd Veigel PC and during my time as a solo practitioner. The majority of my private practice has been Family Law cases. As Lamar County Judge, my judicial experience has been hearing probate, misdemeanors, juvenile, civil, mental health, and appeals from Justice Court.
5. Describe the cases that are tried in your court.
(1) Misdemeanor Cases: Although these cases often involve minor offenses, they are important because they provided an opportunity to ensure justice is served while also addressing the underlying causes of the behavior.
(2) Probate Cases: In probate matters, I deal with families navigating difficult circumstances such as the passing of a loved one or disputes over an estate. These cases are significant because they often require a delicate balance of legal knowledge and empathy. My responsibility is to ensure that the law is followed, but I also try to guide families through a time of emotional distress.
(3) Juvenile Cases: Juvenile cases are particularly impactful. These cases often involve young people who are at a crossroads in their lives. In these cases, I focus not only on accountability but also on rehabilitation, offering opportunities for the juveniles to turn their lives around while keeping in mind their potential for positive change.
(4) Mental Health Cases: In mental health cases, I am tasked with determining whether probable cause exists to issue a temporary order of custody. My primary focus is to protect the individual's constitutional rights while ensuring they receive the necessary care. I approach these cases with a strong awareness that some individuals may be experiencing a serious mental health crisis, and I strive to use language and procedures that are as compassionate and respectful as possible. My goal is to make the process as stress-free as I can, while still safeguarding the individual's well-being and ensuring that their legal rights are fully respected.
(5) Appeals for Justice Courts: In these matters, I have had the opportunity to ensure that justice is accessible and fair by hearing, de novo, decisions made by the Justice of the Peace. I have presided over trials for eviction appeals, speeding tickets, and civil judgments. While these cases may not be high-profile, they are often of immense importance to the individuals who seek a second review.
(6) Civil Cases: Disputes over money, contract cases, and other civil matters similar to district courts.
6. What is the proper role of the Judicial Branch within Texas's system of government?
The proper role of the Judicial Branch is to interpret and apply the law rather than to create or alter it. The judiciary should uphold the Constitution and laws as written, ensuring that both state and federal laws are enforced consistently and fairly. The Courts should exercise judicial restraint, avoiding activism or overreach into areas that are better suited for the legislative or executive branches. Judges should respect the boundaries of their role and focus should be on applying the law based on its original meaning and intent.
7. What constitutes a sound judicial temperament?
A sound judicial temperament encompasses impartiality, patience, and commitment to the rule of law. Judges should demonstrate fairness by making decisions based on the law, not personal beliefs or biases. Judges should listen carefully to all arguments, maintain composure under pressure, handle cases with respect and diligence. A good judicial temperament also involves humility and a willingness to apply the Constitution and statutes as written, even when it leads to unpopular outcomes. This ensures that justice is administered fairly and consistently.
8. Have you ever been involved in any bankruptcy proceeding, either as a debtor or creditor?
☐ Yes ☑ No
If yes, provide details.
9. Have you ever had a tax lien filed against you or been delinquent in the payment of any taxes?
☐ Yes ☑ No
If yes, provide details.
10. Have you ever been sued for malpractice or had a grievance filed against you?
☐ Yes ☑ No
11. Have you ever been disciplined, reprimanded, or cited for a breach of ethics or for unprofessional conduct by a court, administrative agency, bar association, disciplinary or grievance committee, or other professional group?
☐ Yes ☑ No
If yes, provide details.
12. Has your conduct as an attorney or judge ever become the subject of sanctions, disapproval, or criticism in any written order or opinion of a court?
☐ Yes ☑ No
If yes, provide details.
13. Have you ever been disciplined, reprimanded, cited, or fined for any reason by a regulatory agency?
☐ Yes ☑ No
If yes, provide details.
14. List all bar associations and professional societies of which you are a member and give the titles and dates of any offices that you have held in such groups. List also chairmanships or any committees in the bar associations, professional societies, and memberships on any committees that you believe to be of particular significance (e.g., judicial selection committee, grievance committee). Also list any professional honors or certifications you have received.
Lamar County Bar Association
15. List all organizations, other than bar associations or professional associations or societies, of which you are or have been a member, including civic, charitable, religious, education, social, and fraternal organizations. Also, indicate offices held and honors bestowed.
Member: First Baptist Dallas
Member: The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Dallas
Member: The Federalist Society
Member: The National Society Sons of the American Revolution
Member: General Society of the War of 1812
Licensed Certified Public Accountant
16. Is there anything in your background that would reflect poorly on the judiciary and/or negatively impact the confidence of the public in the courts of Texas?
☐ Yes ☑ No
If yes, provide details.
17. Are you current on all Supreme Court of Texas licensing fees, State Bar dues, and lawyer occupation tax?
☐ No ☑ Yes
Have you ever been overdue on any of these?
☑ No ☐ Yes
If yes, provide details.
None that I recall
18. Are you current on Continuing Legal Education?
☐ No ☑ Yes
Have you had any non-compliance in the past?
☑ No ☐ Yes
If yes, provide details.
19. Have you ever been licensed to practice law in any state other than Texas?
☑ No ☐ Yes
If yes, please list each state, and provide details if you are NOT currently in good standing to practice law in that state.
20. Have you ever failed any bar exams in any state?
☑ No ☐ Yes
If yes, provide details.
21. Have you ever been a member of a racially discriminatory organization or participated in the creation of policies that may be racially discriminatory?
☑ No ☐ Yes
If yes, provide details.
22. Please list any honors or awards (excluding those listed in Question #2.)
Pro Bono Attorney of the Year by Lone Star Legal Aid in Paris Texas
Congressional Patriot Award by Congressman Pat Fallon 2024
23. Please add any further information that you feel is relevant to this position.
As an admirer of the late Justice Antonin Scalia and a member of the Federalist Society, I am guided in my current judicial role as County Judge by principles of judicial restraint, fidelity to the rule of law, and respect for the Constitution's original meaning. These values are particularly relevant at the trial court level, where the focus is on applying the law fairly, consistently, and impartially to resolve disputes and protect rights. If reelected, I will continue to incorporate these principles, carefully applying the law as written, respecting precedent, and approaching every case with diligence and impartiality. My goal is to provide a fair forum for resolving disputes while safeguarding the rule of law and the constitutional framework that underpins our legal system.
FOR YOUR CURRENTLY HELD JUDICIAL SEAT, PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
24. Have you ever been the subject of any investigation or proceeding involving your conduct as a judge?
☑ No ☐ Yes
If yes, provide details.
HEALTH INFORMATION
1. Within the last ten (10) years, have you ever been treated for or had any problem or any related condition associated with consumption of alcoholic beverages or any other form of drug addiction or dependency?
☑ No ☐ Yes
If yes, provide details.
2. Have you ever been treated for or suffered from any form of mental illness?
☑ No ☐ Yes
If yes, provide details and specify any relative medications you have taken in the past five years.
3. Is there any physical or mental illness that would impair your ability to perform your responsibilities as a judge?
☑ No ☐ Yes
If yes, provide details.