(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 Juliet Kathy Stipeche, and I am a Democratic judicial candidate for the 281st Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. If you would like to learn more about my background, please visit my website: www.stipecheforjudge.com.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
The 281st Civil District Court only hears and determines civil cases. It does not handle cases involving family, juvenile, probate or criminal matters. Civil causes of action before this court include a wide variety of claims ranging from simple to complex. Matters include but are not limited to collections, personal injury, wrongful death, professional liability, premises liability, products liability, contract claims, and real estate disputes.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
For the past decade, I have been a civil litigator and have practiced almost exclusively before civil district courts, so I am very familiar with the types of cases that this court handles. I have witnessed the need for our civil trial courts to remain committed to the principles of fairness and accessibility for all persons. We also need judges who believe in the jury system. I am running for the 281st Civil District Court because the citizens of Harris County deserve experienced civil court judges who are fair, hard working, and committed to the community and to maintaining the highest ethical standards. I am dedicated to these principles and will also treat all parties with courtesy and respect.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I grew up in a working class household in Houston’s East End as the daughter of immigrant parents from Argentina and Mexico. My parents always told me that the key to my future was through hard work and education. I took their words to heart graduating valedictorian of the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. I earned an academic scholarship to Rice University, where I graduated with majors in Political Science, Policy Studies and Religious Studies, magna cum laude. Afterward, I obtained my law degree from The University of Texas School of Law in Austin, Texas.
I have practiced exclusively in complex and general civil litigation for the past ten (10) years, and I am a shareholder at my firm, Nagorny & Stipeche, P.C. I have worked on hundreds of cases and participated in trials concerning serious, catastrophic injuries. The longest trial lasted six (6) weeks, while the shortest was approximately one (1) week. I have experience working up cases from inception to trial to appeal. I have also given lectures on a variety of legal topics, and I take my role as a counselor seriously.
I am conversant in Spanish, a very hard worker, and a creative problem solver. I have a passionate conviction for impartiality and justice that motivated me to become a lawyer in the first place. Additionally, I want to serve my community, and I will devote every single ounce of free time to improving the life circumstances of the citizens of Harris County by mentoring, volunteering, and making a difference.
5. Why is this race important?
This race is important because the Courts serve as the guardians of due process, equal protection, and our liberties and freedoms. Most of us do not think about the judges on the benches until we are before them, and if and when this happens, we are usually at our weakest. This is because civil lawsuits are derived from conflict, tragedies and disagreements. We need a Judge in the 281st who will serve as a fair and even-handed referee and who believes in the right to trial by jury. Therefore, this is your opportunity to assist in the selection.
6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?
This is my first time running for political office, but I have always had a passion to serve others and to make a difference. I have excellent academic and legal credentials and the integrity and character to remain independent. I have life and legal experiences that make me knowledgeable about the law as well as people. I have an industriousness and willingness to work hard for the citizens of Harris County and a personality that is courteous and considerate to all persons. I have served as a volunteer for my community with the YMCA, the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association and the Ya Es Hora program, and I have always been committed to the Democratic Party’s principles of strength, inclusion and opportunity. I have received the endorsement of the Coalition of Harris County Democratic Elected Officials, the Harris County Tejano Democrats, Dos Centavos, the Harris County AFL-CIO, the Houston Police Organization of Spanish Speaking Officers (O.S.S.O.), the Mexican American Sheriff’s Organization (M.A.S.O.), and the Latino Labor Leadership Council of Southeast Texas.
Hi Kathy,
I just wanted to congratulate you on this tremendous success. This is also a victory for HISD.
Love & prayers,
O. Coleman