Rule 7 - ASSOCIATE JUDGES7.1 Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 54A.102(d), the County Civil Courts at Law establish this rule to govern Associate Judge positions to serve all County Civil Courts at Law of Harris County.7.2Approval Required. The appointment of each Associate Judge shall be made by approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the elected Judges for the County Civil Courts at Law of Harris County.7.3Qualifications. The qualifications for an Associate Judge shall be governed by Texas Government Code § 54A.103. In addition, to qualify for an appointment as an Associate Judge to serve all county civil courts at law, a person must possess the following:i. significant civil law experience, including knowledge of statutory and constitutional procedure, court trial procedure, the Texas Code of Civil Procedure, and the Texas Property Code;ii. the ability to conduct objective hearings; evaluate facts; and apply knowledge of the law to issues arising in civil cases; andiii. the capability of handling high volume dockets with minimal supervision.7.4Compensation. The compensation for an Associate Judge shall be governed by Texas Government Code § 54A.104.7.5Termination. The termination of an Associate Judge shall be governed by Texas Government Code § 54A.105.7.6.Cases That May Be Referred. A Presiding Judge of a County Civil Court at Law in Harris County may refer any eviction case, or other proceeding related to an eviction case, to an Associate Judge for resolution subject to Local Rule 3.2.8. Any party's objection to an Associate Judge hearing a trial on the merits in an eviction or eviction-related proceeding must be filed in writing in accordance with Texas Government Code § 54A.106. 7.7Powers. The powers of an Associate Judge shall be governed by Texas Government Code § 54A.108.7.8. All other requirements and limitations on Associate Judges pursuant to Subchapter B of Texas Government Code Chapter 54A shall apply.Harris Cnty. L. R. Civ. Ct. 7
Amended effective 12/29/2022; As amended through 12/8/2023.