Note: This entry is part of a series of written Q&As with judicial candidates who will be on the ballot in Harris County. I am also doing recorded interviews with non-judicial candidates. This is the first such entry in the judicial candidate series for November; I did a similar series for the Democratic primary in March. The reason for this format in these races is that judicial candidates are limited in what types of questions they can answer. I hope you find these posts useful.

1. Who are you and what are you running for?

Dion Ramos, 20+ year medical malpractice defense attorney, running for Judge of the 55th Civil Judicial District Court of Harris County.

2. What kind of cases does this court hear?

This is a Civil District Court. It has unlimited jurisdiction, making it the highest civil trial court in Texas. Civil cases include business disputes, contract disputes, consumer rights cases, employment law, personal injury, injunctions, temporary restraining orders and real estate disputes among other things.

3. Why are you running for this particular bench?

I have been a civil trial lawyer for more than 23 years and feel its time to give something back to the legal community. I can have a positive impact on the litigants and their attorneys in this court because of my experience.

4. What are your qualifications for this job?

I am certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in both Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law. I have tried over 60 civil cases to jury verdict in district courts in Texas and have participated in at least 40 more that never made it to verdict.

5. Why is this race important?

The judiciary is the most likely place a person will come in contact with our political system - either as a litigant or a juror. I respect jurors, the jury system and understand the pressures of being a litigant. All three deserve to have a judge who knows what its like to have been in the courtroom dozens of times.

6. Why should people vote for you in November?

I haven't seen it all - but I've seen most of it. My experience will allow me to run this courtroom efficiently and fairly from hearings to trials. Remember, taxpayers are footing the bill for the judiciary. They deserve to have the most competent and qualified and judges running their courtrooms efficiently.