Meet JOE

Colleagues and Esteemed Members of the South Texas Community. Following extensive contemplation and fortified by the steadfast support of my family and law firm, I am thrilled to step forward and announce my candidacy for Justice of the Thirteenth Court of Appeals.   The path to this esteemed position is paved with over four decades of diverse legal experiences, a testament to my commitment and passion for the rule of law.

It is with immense humility that I acknowledge the weight of this role.  The Thirteenth Court of Appeals is the final vanguard for many seeing justice, and maintaining its impartiality, balance, and steadfast adherence to the U.S. Constitution, Texas Constitution, and our time-honored jurisprudence is paramount. 

I am privileged to be  contending for this seat alongside an eminent cadre of legal minds, women of unparalleled dedication to unbiased, meticulous discernment within the Appellate Court.  Together, we embrace the dynamic challenge of connecting with constituents across our expansive twenty-county district.

My journey into law  was inspired by a profound desire to champion the rights of the undeserved, particularly within the Rio Grande Valley.  my education at Georgetown Law School and the University of Texas Law School and the University  of Texas Law School equipped me not just with the standard legal curriculum but deep dives into constitutional law and civil rights, foundational for any appellate justice.

My initial role with Texas Rural Legal Aid set the tone for my commitment to justice, representing school district employees facing adverse consequences due to political beliefs.  My legal pursuits have since spanned a broad spectrum -from criminal law, business law, to appellate law, and through a myriad of courts, from municipal to federal.  This eclectic mix of experiences has refined my legal acumen, preparing me for the revered Justice seat of the 13th District Court of Appeals, Place, 4, in 2024.

On a personal note, Josie Martinez has been my cornerstone for nearly 40 years, and together, we've nurtured our family in McAllen, with Hidalgo County being he canvas of our life's most cherished moments.  The deep-rooted ties our families share with this community only bolster my commitment to serve with utmost integrity.

To my fellow attorneys and the wider community: I pledge to be a beacon of patience, humility, and unwavering commitment to the law's guiding principles.  I earnestly seek your counsel, support, and your vote in this endeavor.