(Note: I am running a series of Q&As for judicial candidates on the Republican side of the November ballot. There are a lot of judicial races on the ballot in Harris County this election, so this is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to those who plan to vote. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. Charles Kuffner at Off the Kuff is running the same series for Democratic candidates.)

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

I am Judge Dan Hinde, Judge of the 269^th District Court.  I am running to continue serving as Judge of the 269^th District Court.  Please visit my website (www.JudgeDanHinde.com) to learn more about me.

2. What kind of cases does this court hear?

This is a trial court that usually hears civil lawsuits, which are suits for money damages for claims such as negligence, breach of contract, property disputes, fraud, and business disputes.  Additionally, this Court handles various miscellaneous actions such as appeals of property appraisals, petitions to expunge criminal records, applications to change names, and the like.  I can also handle criminal and family cases from time to time.

3. Why are you running for this particular bench?

I am currently serving you as the Judge of the 269^th District Court, and I am running to continue serving our community and bringing prompt, fair justice to the people of Harris County.

4. What are your qualifications for this job?

I have the broadest, most relevant qualifications for this post and a proven track record for fair, efficient, decisive administration of justice.

Judicial Effectiveness and Productiveness:

• Reduced the backlog of old cases
• Nearly quadrupled the number of jury trials for this Court in 2009
• Improved productivity of this Court by 72% in 2009
• Resolved well over 2,600 cases since January 1, 2009

A Well-Rounded Lawyer:

• Numerous jury trials as first or second chair
• Represented plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases
• Experience as a prosecutor in criminal cases
• Argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
• Represented the American Red Cross’s Houston Chapter
• Handled a broad spectrum of civil cases, such as
  • commercial
  • construction
  • corporate-governance
  • employment
  • energy
  • maritime
  • mass-tort
  • personal-injury
  • products-liability
  • securities-fraud
  • tax
  • technology

Leadership:

• Vice-Chair, Pretrial Subcommittee, State Bar’s Court Rules Committee
• Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
• Who’s Who (World, American Law, etc.)
• Former Chair, HBA Federal Practice Section
• Texas A&M Buck Weirus Spirit Award for Outstanding Leadership

Education:

• J.D. with Honors, The University of Texas School of Law
  • Articles Editor, Texas Law Review (Volume 75)
  • Dean’s Achievement Award:  Highest Grade in Property
• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Magna Cum Laude, Texas A&M
  • Klein Forest High School, Summa Cum Laude, National Merit Scholar

Community:

• Supports education by regularly visiting public schools to talk to students about the law and the courts
• Son of a school teacher
• Grew up in Harris County
• Member, First Presbyterian Church

5. Why is this race important?

The people of Harris County have the opportunity to retain a decisive, efficient judge.  More lawsuits than usual are being filed in Harris County, and this Court needs a judge who has proven he can not only make fair decisions quickly, but can also ensure that cases are handled more efficiently and at lower expense.  Otherwise, justice will be denied by the delays that result.

6. Why should people vote for you in November?

I am the best-qualified, most decisive, productive, and efficient candidate for this office.  I have adopted procedures that have shortened the time cases await decision and reduced the fees and expenses parties once experienced in suits filed in the 269^th District Court.

Since I became the Judge of the 269^th District Court, the number of pending cases in this Court has shrunk despite a 28% spike in the number of lawsuits filed in the Court.  In 2009, I improved productivity by 72% and nearly quadrupled the number of jury trials from the previous year.  By boosting productivity, resolving more suits, and shrinking the backlog of cases, I have reduced the cost and expense incurred by parties with cases assigned to this Court.  On top of that, I have eliminated a policy that imposed a fee on each party (often mandatory in other courts) that often ranges from $500 to $1,500.

So, the voters of Harris County can look to my proven track record for assurance that by electing me, their tax dollars will be used wisely by a hardworking, no-nonsense Judge dedicated to ensuring the fair, efficient, and speedy administration of justice.

Website: JudgeDanHinde.com

Facebook: Judge Dan Hinde