Justice David Gunn

Last Friday, lawyers and judges from across Texas gathered for the Texas Bar Foundation’s annual awards gala.

I was honored to receive the Foundation’s Outstanding Law Review Article Award, which recognizes what the Foundation considers the best law review article published during the year by a Texas law school.

The evening also provided an opportunity to visit with friends and colleagues from around the state, including Chief Justice Terry Adams, Justice Kevin Jewell, and many others.

I especially enjoyed seeing former Texas Supreme Court Justice Raul Gonzalez, who was among those recognized during the evening. Justice Gonzalez also asked me the first question during my first oral argument before the Texas Supreme Court nearly 30 years ago.

My thanks to the Texas Bar Foundation, and congratulations to all of this year’s honorees.

It was a pleasure to participate in UT Law CLE’s 36th Annual Conference on State and Federal Appeals, which brings together appellate lawyers and judges from across Texas.

I joined Justice Lori Massey Brissette of the Fourth Court of Appeals and appellate attorney Chad Baruch for a discussion of waiver, preservation of error, and the steps advocates can take to ensure issues are properly presented on appeal.

Programs like this help improve the quality of appellate advocacy and provide valuable opportunities for judges and practitioners to exchange ideas. My thanks to UT Law CLE for the invitation and to everyone who participated in this year’s conference.

One of the important contributions the State Bar of Texas makes is improving the questions juries are asked at the end of a trial.

The way a question is worded can influence the answer. In the courtroom, that matters. Jury questions need to be balanced and neutral so the verdict reflects the facts, not the phrasing.

I serve on the committee that works on these questions. We meet throughout the year with lawyers and judges from across Texas. This past week, we met in El Paso to finalize the latest revisions. Grateful to spend time with lawyers and judges from all across the state to continue this important work.

Every year, the Houston Bar Association hosts a one-day conference focused on civil and appellate law. It was an honor to take part as a presenter on a panel addressing nuances of probate law, an area that can affect anyone.

These programs provide thoughtful, up-to-date education on important legal topics, while also helping to bridge the gap between judges and practitioners. That exchange benefits the entire system.

It was good to visit with many colleagues throughout the day, including my friend and former law firm colleague Felicia Harris Hoss, and to present alongside probate litigation specialist Sarah Patel Pacheco.

One of the strengths of our system is the opportunity to engage directly with the people we serve.

This week, I had the opportunity to attend the 13th Annual Premier Women in Law Luncheon, with more than 40 tables of attendees. Events like this are a valuable reminder that the judiciary does not operate in a vacuum. It serves real people, from every background and perspective, across our region.

Although the event happened to involve attorneys, the courts affect all of us, with or without legal training. I will continue to show up, listen, and share my approach to the law with anyone willing to have that conversation. That includes discussing the work we are doing on the First Court of Appeals and why experience, preparation, and respect for the rule of law matter.

It was a good opportunity to visit with Cindy Diggs, Rachel Sedita, Allison Miller, Lauren Harrison, Katherine Ginsburg Treistman, Seth Kretzer, and many others. I look forward to continuing to meet with more of you all across the First Court of Appeals.

It's Election Day!

The Houston Bar Association’s judicial poll rated my performance “Excellent” across the board, with the highest overall share of top ratings among judges evaluated.

Serving on the First Court of Appeals is an honor, and every opinion I write reflects careful study of the record and the law.

If you have not voted yet, today is the day. I would appreciate your support.

Tomorrow is Election Day.

Independent evaluations from the Houston Bar Association show broad support for my work on the bench, including the highest share of “Excellent” ratings among judges reviewed.

That feedback comes from lawyers across the spectrum who see firsthand how the court operates.

Experience matters. Preparation matters. The rule of law matters.

I would be grateful for your vote.

Early voting ends tomorrow!

This year’s Houston Bar Association evaluation showed strong support for the work being done on the First Court of Appeals, including top “Excellent” marks across multiple categories.

The goal is simple: apply the law thoroughly in line with the constitution, write clearly, and treat everyone who comes before the court with respect.

Thank you to everyone who has already voted. If you have not yet cast your ballot, there is still time.

As a front blew through outside at the Fairgrounds, several hundred citizens gathered indoors for the annual Grimes County Reagan Dinner last weekend. With excellent steaks on our plates and live music to get things started, we heard from Alec Pointer, the county’s GOP chair, along with County Judge Joe Fauth III, State Representative Trey Wharton, and State Senator Lois Kolkhorst.

I put in a few bids at the silent auction, although somebody always managed to outdo me. Meanwhile, I enjoyed visiting with plenty of folks, including fellow judges Hon. David Moorman, Judge Gary Chaney, and Judge Tuck McLain.

Thank you to everyone who helped organize a great evening.

Early voting is open all weekend. Lawyers who regularly practice before the court rated my work “Excellent” in key areas like preparation, impartial decision-making, and clear written opinions.

The courtroom is a place for careful reasoning and faithful application of the law.

If you have not voted yet, I hope you will consider supporting proven judicial experience on the First Court of Appeals.