Occupation
Associate Judge
Education
Juris Doctorate
Campaign Phone
469-431-1847
I have practiced law for more than eighteen years and ten years serving as an associate judge in Dallas County family courts. During my judicial service, I have presided over a wide range of matters, including child custody, child support, protective orders, CPS cases, and complex family law disputes. This experience has required strong courtroom management, careful preparation, and the ability to make timely, well-reasoned decisions. I bring sound judgment, professionalism, and a deep commitment to fairness and integrity in every case before the court.
Judicial impartiality is essential to public confidence in the courts. My rulings are based solely on the facts, the evidence presented, and the governing law. Political considerations, public opinion, and campaign support have no influence on my judicial decision making. I strictly adhere to the law and maintain firm ethical boundaries to ensure that every litigant receives a fair, unbiased, and independent hearing.
Access to justice improves when courts are efficient, respectful, and understandable. During my service as an associate judge, I have consistently worked to reduce barriers for self represented litigants by making commonly used forms available in the courtroom, providing opportunities for individuals to ask questions about court procedures, and ensuring proceedings are conducted clearly and respectfully. I have also supported educational opportunities for attorneys and ensured court operations are timely and accessible, recognizing that everyone’s time and resources are valuable.
One of the most pressing challenges facing the courts today is managing heavy caseloads while maintaining thoughtful, timely decisions. Addressing this challenge requires effective case management, consistent scheduling practices, and preparedness on the bench. Courts must balance efficiency with careful consideration so that each case receives appropriate attention. In my current role, the court I serve has achieved one of the highest disposition clearance rates in the county, demonstrating a commitment to resolving matters promptly while continuing to manage a steady influx of new cases.
My judicial philosophy is grounded in service, fairness, integrity, and respect for the rule of law. A judge must listen carefully to all sides, apply the law consistently, and issue clear, reasoned decisions in a timely manner. The court’s role is to protect due process, promote accountability, and maintain public trust through professionalism, impartiality, and respectful treatment of all who appear.
Occupation
Attorney
Education
BS Business Admin Univ AR at Pine Bluff, Juris Doctor Oklahoma City Univ
Campaign Phone
(972)591-3775
Campaign YouTube URL
Note:
www.instagram.com/twanaallen4judge
I have over 20 years of experience representing parents and advocating for children in a variety of family law matters, including family violence and abuse and neglect of children. I understand that litigants need thoughtful consideration, timely resolution, and clear decisions from judges. I’m also an experienced mediator and trained parenting facilitator which means I can communicate through difficult situations. I have also taught as an adjunct at the University of North Texas Dallas College of Law.
I’m not beholden to anyone. My contributors are friends, family, and former clients or colleagues who know the work that I’ve done and have confidence that I would be a great judge. Doing the job that I was elected to do by Dallas County voters is the only political pressure I would be concerned with when elected.
Having represented clients across intersections of race, gender, age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, disability, and learning differences, I have a deep understanding that everyone needs an opportunity to be heard. I would ensure that barriers are lifted by providing interpreters if needed, having virtual hearings, and providing information for community resources to help people to be successful. The courts have to be open to accommodate the needs of the residents it serves.
A common theme is an over-burdened system that leaves people feeling like they can’t get justice. People are also very angry and don’t understand court processes. I think mediation is a great tool to help people resolve problems and help alleviate the need to be in court. For those who need resolution in court, it’s important to manage the caseload so that people are not wasting time and money. I also plan to have information available for community resources.
My judicial philosophy is that the judge’s role is not to re-write existing law. The judge’s role is to apply the existing law to the facts of each case, and in those instances where the existing law is unclear, use their legal background and life experience to make decisions consistent with legislative intent or other established law.
