Judge Alicia Franklin gave the Family Bar an early Christmas present by announcing she has selected Meca Walker to replace Bob Newey as Associate Judge in the 311th. Franklin is generally getting really good reviews for her work as a judge and her selection of M.L. Walker is a brilliant choice. Judge Walker has served as Associate Judge for Judges Rynd, Dean and Hellums. It is great news that her experience and superb judicial demeanor will continue to serve the families of Harris County. I have given Franklin grief over her outrageous billing as a CPS attorney before she was appointed judge, but I will give her credit for making a really great selection as A.J. to replace Bob Newey. I know Commissioner Cagle is thrilled, but this decision smells more like a "what is good for the court and the families and attorneys we serve" sort of pick instead of the purely political selection some were dreading. Way to go Alicia! ... Read More >
Thank you Judge Janis Yarbrough
We say "good bye" to many fine judges who are retiring and leaving the bench on December 31. We will all miss the friendly and hard working Judge Jim York, even as he passes his mantle of the most pro-mother judge in custody cases on the planet to Galveston County Associate Judge Steve Baker. Bonnie Hellums was an amazing breath of fresh air and reform when she was first elected in the 1994 Republican sweep that knocked off all of the Democratic incumbent judges. It was revolutionary then to think that a family court judge would rule based on the law and the facts and what was best for children instead of who the lawyers were. Now, thanks to judges like Bonnie Hellums, that is the least we expect in our family courts. Harris County is also losing some amazing associate judges: Robert Newey and Michael Hay. The family judge that has meant the most to my life and professional career has been Galveston County Family District Judge Jan Yarbrough, who is retiring after twelve years as ... Read More >