Occupation
Legal Professional & Business Owner
Education
Dallas Baptist University
Campaign Phone
(214)444-9432
Note:
I can’t wait to work for all the families in our communities!
I am a legal professional with hands-on experience drafting pleadings, navigating court procedures, and advocating for due process.
My work has involved landlord-tenant matters, administrative law, and holding institutions accountable. This practical legal background, combined with my 35 plus years of business background, common sense, community leadership and public-service experience, has prepared me to fairly apply the law, manage this courtroom efficiently, and serve the public with integrity.
See my extensive resume on ZachariahManning.com
The Justice of the Peace Court is often compared to Judge Judy’s Court without the theatrics. LOL!
As your judge, I will preside over landlord-tenant disputes, civil and debt cases, school truancy matters, and yes, I will even marry people (not to me personally, but to the person you love).
I support plain-language communication, clear explanations of rights and procedures, predictable docket scheduling, respectful courtroom practices, and mediation when appropriate to reduce trials, delays, and costs so people are heard and understand the process.
I can’t wait to serve you!
Yes, there is a need for fairness grounded in the law. I would ensure tenants receive due process and lawful consideration of defenses with encouraging or requiring mediation.
Squatters that take over vacant properties with no legal right should not be permitted to stay and cause harm or damages. A balanced approach protects rights while enforcing property law efficiently and fairly.
The most pressing issues for Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Place 2 Court include case backlogs, delays, and public confidence in the court.
I would address these issues by enforcing efficient docket control, block-scheduling older cases by case type to move them toward timely disposition, and setting firm but fair timelines.
I support clear procedures, consistent application of court rules, early case assessment, appropriate use of mediation, and professional courtroom management. These measures improve efficiency, transparency, and trust in the court.
Lastly, my staff will be friendly!
Occupation
Managing Attorney
Education
JD
Campaign Phone
214-941-8300
I have over 17 years of combined legal and judicial experience. Currently, I serve as managing attorney at a prominent personal injury law firm where I collaborate with senior trial attorneys and manage and mentor 20 staff members and five young lawyers. I am regularly appointed as a mediator and guardian ad litem by Texas Judicial District Courts and County Courts at Law. Moreover, I regularly serve as Visiting Justice of the Peace for various JP courts, including the bench I am running for: JP 3-2. Prepared. Proven. Ready on day one.
Accessibility is about making the court system navigable and understandable. I would support the following measures:
1) Convenient Hours. A few times a month, I will offer evening sessions for those who work or study during the day. I will offer virtual hearings upon the requestor's showing of good cause.
2) Simplifying Processes and Language. I will provide step-by-step guides and checklists in various languages.
3) Education and Outreach. I look forward to hosting workshops, mentoring interns and providing an interactive website.
JP court can be more equitable by:
1) Making access to legal assistance available. Thus, I will continue to encourage the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center's presence at JP 3-2. This non-profit organization provides pro bono legal advice for tenants facing eviction.
2) Having a robust mediation program. I will encourage parties to mediate and find mutually acceptable solutions, like phased move-out plans, deferred rent payment, etc.
3) Providing tenant education and resources. I will provide workshops and clinics and step-by-step guides in multiple languages.
JP courts oversee thousands of cases per week. Running an efficient court, without compromising constitutional and legal due process, is a tremendous challenge. My background, training and experience as a former judge and attorney, have prepared me to resolve complex case management issues and complicated legal matters. Also, for justice to be effective, a judge must have the right temperament, be an active listener and keep an open mind. Further, the judge must be able to clearly communicate and explain decisions and procedures in understandable terms, promoting transparency for litigants.
