I have 34 years of experience practicing law, focusing on civil litigation and family law, and I am licensed in Texas and the Federal Western District of Texas. I bring high integrity, no disciplinary history, and a calm, respectful demeanor. I am committed to fairness, due process, and applying the law consistently, earning the trust and confidence of those who come before the court.
In a custody case where both parents are competent, the most relevant factors focus on the child’s emotional and physical needs, stability and continuity in home, school, and routines, and the child’s age and developmental needs. When appropriate, the child’s wishes may be considered. Under Texas law, courts apply the best interest of the child standard, prioritizing safety, stability, and overall well-being.
Courts can reduce backlogs through early case triage, firm trial settings, and strict limits on continuances. Using scheduling orders, regular status conferences tailored to the complexity of each case, expanded mediation and ADR, and remote hearings for routine matters improves efficiency. Clear deadlines and prompt rulings help move cases while preserving due process.
Voters deserve a judge who applies the law faithfully, respects constitutional rights, and issues fact-based decisions that withstand appellate review. My experience and commitment to due process equip me to serve with fairness and accountability. Judges must lead with restraint, not personal temperament.
I would perform marriages for all couples, regardless of gender. I believe that every individual is entitled to the fundamental right to marry the person they love.
I earned my Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering & Engineering Management from Stanford University & my JD from Seton Hall Law. During my service as a Federal Law Clerk for the Honorable Ron Clark in the Eastern District of Texas, I learned how to most effectively represent clients in court. The majority of my 15 year litigation career was spent representing victims of domestic violence at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. Justice without exception is what I will continue to provide everyday.
Texas law requires consideration of the Holley factors in conservatorship and possession decisions. I apply these factors by focusing on the child’s best interests, including the child’s emotional and physical needs, safety, stability, home environment, and parental abilities. I also evaluate each parent’s willingness and ability to foster cooperation and support the child’s present and future well-being. I am uniquely qualified & have the courage required to make decisions to protect children.
Our Civil Courts can reduce backlogs by actively managing dockets and prioritizing case resolution. I have coordinated and presided over dismissal-for-want-of-prosecution dockets to clear inactive cases post-COVID. I have also trained family law advocates and mental health professionals to promote efficient resolution in child-related cases. Most recently, I have participated in redesigning the Presiding Court system to better meet our community’s needs. I use best docket management tools daily.
I would like to see the office receive the resources needed to operate an effective and efficient civil district court without overburdening existing staff. With careful budget scrutiny, I am hopeful Bexar County can achieve better outcomes for the community by providing the trial courts with the required resources. I support staffing each civil district court with a dedicated court coordinator to strengthen docket efficiency and a skilled appellate attorney to protect judicial independence.
I DO perform marriage ceremonies for all couples, regardless of whether they are of the same sex or different. During my seven years as Judge of the 45th District Court, I have officiated dozens of marriages, each reflecting the hope, faith, and love that make the ceremony meaningful. It is clear equality under the law requires a judge to recognize and respect the dignity and humanity of every person, especially at such an important life moment. It is imperative that judges are just to all.
