(Note: I am running a series of Q&As for Democratic judicial candidates on the November ballot. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. These Q&As are primarily intended for candidates who were not in contested primaries. You can see those earlier Q&As, as well as all the ones in this series and all my recorded interviews for this cycle, on my 2010 Elections page.)
1. Who are you, and what are you running for?
My name is Christina Bryan and I am running for Judge of the 113th Civil District Court. I have been married for 16 years, am a mother of three, and a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. I am active in the community and have served on the boards of The Children’s Fund, Inprint, Inc. and Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas. I donate my time to organizations like the Houston Food Bank, SEARCH, The Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, the Memorial Hermann Institutional Ethics Committee and the Heart of Texas Chapter of the National Charity League.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
The 113th is a civil court and hears only civil cases. It is one of twenty five Harris County Civil District Courts which have concurrent jurisdiction with county courts at law over cases with an amount in controversy of up to $100,000 and exclusive jurisdiction of civil cases with an amount in controversy over $100,000. The types of cases heard in the civil district courts range from simple to complex and involve many different areas of the law. Some examples of the types of cases heard in civil district courts include contract disputes, employment discrimination, fraud, breach of duty and negligence cases.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I am running for this bench because it provides the best opportunity for me to serve the people of Harris County. I have spent my legal career working on the types of cases that are heard in the Harris County Civil District courts. This particular bench is an open seat which means the incumbent judge is not running for re-election.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I graduated from the University of Texas with highest honors and from Harvard Law School with honors. I served as a law clerk to the Honorable Homer Thornberry on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. I have been practicing law in Houston since 1992 and am a currently a partner in the law firm of Smyser Kaplan & Veselka, LLP. I have trial and appellate experience and have represented individuals, small businesses and large companies. I have represented both plaintiffs and defendants in cases ranging from simple to complex and covering various legal issues. My experience involves a broad range of legal issues and prepares me well to be the Judge of the 113th Civil District Court .
5. Why is this race important?
The race for Judge of the 113th and for all courts is important because judges are the most visible part of our judicial system and must inspire the public’s trust. The judicial branch of government is only as good as the people elected to serve. The judges in the civil courts affect the quality of justice in Harris County and the conduct of Harris County judges reflects on everyone. The citizens of Harris County need and deserve judges of the highest moral character and who are committed to applying the law fairly and
upholding the integrity of the judicial office.
6. Why should people vote for you in November?
People should vote for me in November because I have the credentials, character and commitment Harris County needs in a judge. I have demonstrated my commitment to the community, to the legal profession, and to my family. I will bring to the bench the same ethical, professional and personal standards that have guided my entire life. I am committed to being a fair and efficient judge, a good steward of taxpayer resources, and to promoting and protecting the honor and integrity of the judicial office.
Please visit www.bryanforjudge.com for more information and a complete list of supporters and endorsements.