Judge LaShawn A. Williams is seeking another term on Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 3. The LaShawn Williams reelection campaign highlights her legal experience, judicial service and commitment to accessible courts.
Williams appears on the official Harris County ballot for the Nov. 3 general election. Early voting is underway and continues through Friday, Oct. 30.
LaShawn Williams Reelection Campaign Emphasizes Accessibility
Williams currently presides over Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 3. Harris County records confirm that voters elected her to a second term in November 2022.
Her campaign is emphasizing fairness, dignity and access to the legal system. A campaign advertisement states that Williams works to make the court “understandable and accessible for all.”
Williams’ official court biography says she approaches the bench with patience, open-mindedness, integrity and respect for the rule of law. It describes public service as central to her work as a judge.
Williams first decided to seek judicial office in 2017. Her biography says she wanted to serve residents, families, small businesses and communities throughout Harris County.
Williams Brings Decades of Legal Experience
Before joining the bench, Williams worked across several areas of law. She began her career as a staff attorney for the Office of the District Attorney General in Nashville, Tennessee.
Williams later served as in-house counsel for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. She also represented nonprofit organizations and government entities.
Her legal career includes work as a criminal prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. She has practiced in state, federal and appellate courts.
Williams founded and served as managing partner of Baldwin Williams & Associates, PLLC, a general-practice law firm. She previously managed LAWilliams Law Firm PC.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Sam Houston State University. Williams received her law degree from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law in May 1995.
The State Bar of Texas lists Williams as eligible to practice law in Texas. Her profile identifies her occupation as a full-time judge and notes that she is also licensed in Tennessee.
Her professional background includes ownership of a woman-owned construction management company. According to her official biography, the construction company and her law firm received W/SBE minority certifications.
Judicial Leadership in Harris County
Harris County’s civil court judges elected Williams as their administrative judge for 2023. The one-year position took effect Jan. 1 of that year.
Administrative judges provide general guidance and represent their courts before county departments, officials and projects. They also help convene and preside over judicial meetings.
A Harris County Courts at Law announcement said Williams had nearly three decades of legal experience when she entered the leadership role.
What Harris County Civil Courts Handle
Harris County civil courts at law hear civil cases and appeals from justice courts. Their work can directly affect residents, property owners and businesses.
Under the Texas Government Code, these courts have jurisdiction over certain property disputes and eminent domain proceedings. They may also hear cases involving liens, defamation and the recovery of real property.
The courts do not exercise probate jurisdiction. Civil Court at Law No. 3 operates from the Harris County Civil Courthouse at 201 Caroline Street.
Early Voting Continues Through Oct. 30
The Texas Secretary of State confirms that early voting began Oct. 19 and ends Oct. 30. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Harris County Vote Centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Residents can find voting locations and review ballot information through Harris Votes.
Eligible residents can use these official resources to prepare before voting. The judicial position affects civil matters involving individuals, property owners and businesses throughout Harris County.
