(Note: I am running a series of Q&As for judicial candidates in contested Democratic primaries. There are a lot of judicial races on the ballot in Harris County this election, and so this is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to those who plan to vote in March. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. I will also be conducting some in-person interviews of candidates who will be involved in contested primaries for non-judicial offices. Please see my 2010 Election page for a full list of Q&As and interviews.)
1. Who are you and what are you running for?
My name is Damian E. LaCroix. I am a life long resident of Harris County growing up in Southwest Houston. I graduated from Westbury High School 1992. In 1996, I graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station where I received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Finance. I received my Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 2000.
I am running for Judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 2.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
a. Civil disputes with an amount in controversy from $500 up to $100,000
b. Appeals from the Justice of the Peace Courts
c. Exclusive jurisdiction over all eminent domain and condemnation cases
d. Disputes concerning title to real property
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I am running for this particular bench because I can better serve the residents of Harris County as Judge of the County Civil Court at Law No. 2. I am looking to make a difference in the lives of the attorneys and litigants who come before my Court. Having been in private practice for over nine years, I have represented plaintiffs and defendants in the federal, state and county civil courts in Harris County. I know that attorneys devote substantial time and resources preparing motions and pleadings and the litigants incur legal fees. However, the hearings are simply an exercise in futility because, more often than not, the Judges are not prepared and fail to give the attorneys adequate time to pick an unbiased jury or present their case. I intend to run my Court differently. I will know the parties’ issues, listen to and consider arguments from all sides, maintain an open-mind, make timely rulings, have the courage to make tough decisions and give all parties the time they need to ensure that an unbiased jury hears their case.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I have the experience. I have been in private practice for over nine years representing plaintiffs and defendants in all types of civil disputes before the federal, state and county civil courts in Harris County. I have tried numerous cases to a final verdict before juries and judges. I am intelligent, open-minded, possess common sense and consider all sides of a debatable issue before deciding on a particular course of action. I have a true passion for the law and an abundance of energy. I pride myself on my ability to quickly comprehend, understand and analyze statues, case law, legal rules and procedures and apply them to varying factual situations and circumstances which generally result in favorable outcomes for my clients.
5. Why is this race important?
This race is important because the County Civil Courts touch the lives of every citizen in Harris County. Having exclusive jurisdiction over eminent domain cases and appeals from the Justice of the Peace Courts, Harris County residents could find themselves as a litigant in this Court. In this regard, I believe there should be balance on the County Civil Courts so that litigants are afforded a fair and impartial adjudication of their legal dispute. This means that all parties will be given adequate time to pick an unbiased jury and to present their case.
6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?
The residents of Harris County should vote for me in the primary for several reasons. I have more experience in civil litigation and am more qualified to be Judge than my primary opponent. Unlike my opponent, my practice has focused exclusively on civil litigation and business and real estate transactions for over nine years. I am also a licensed real estate agent. I have advised my clients and developed legal strategies regarding virtually every issue that I will face as Judge. I have first hand experience trying cases in the district and county civil courts. As such, I am more familiar than my opponent with the likely pretrial and trial disputes between the litigants. Even more important, is the fact that I am more knowledgeable than my primary opponent of the statues, case law, legal rules and procedures that guide judges in making the correct rulings on legal issues that are regularly before the Court.
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