(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?

Jeff Shadwick, running for Judge of the 55th Civil District Court. This is the bench I held at the time of the 2008 election.

2. What kind of cases does this court hear?

The 55th hears civil disputes which are primarily disputes over money and property.

3. Why are you running for this particular bench?

I am running for judge of a civil bench because my entire 29 year law practice has been in litigation of civil matters. I selected the 55th District Court because this is the bench I held from the time of my appointment by Governor Perry in 2007 until the 2008 election.

4. What are your qualifications for this job?

Nothing beats experience. I have been trying civil cases since 1981 in county, state and federal courts in three states. All of my cases have been exactly the type of matters which come before the 55th District Court. I have also served as Judge of this very court. Check out my web site at www.jeffshadwick.com for my full resume and life story.

5. Why is this race important?

I believe every election is important because each expresses the will of the people. I believe my judicial philosophy of leaving legislation to the legislature and focusing on the judge’s job of applying the law to the facts is how the people of Texas want trial judges to handle their duties. By contrast, my opponent has written that “laws are made...in trial courts.” I reject legislating from the bench. It leads to uncertainty and inconsistency.

6. Why should people vote for you in November?

I am the type of person who lawyers and the public would want as a judge. I have three decades of legal experience and view serving on the bench as the culmination of that career, not as a stepping stone. I am respected and highly rated by my peers, and have a very successful law practice. As a former school board member, fully engaged father, active church member and published novelist my life experience has developed my character and broadened my perspective. I am patient and respectful. As a judge I exhibited the appropriate demeanor, and ruled fairly and promptly. My judicial philosophy is consistent with that of the majority of Texans. Finally, when I was the judge of this court I loved the work and was good at it. I believe all of this makes me the better choice between two good candidates.

Website: JeffShadwick.com