By Kurt Kuhn

Today begins the State Bar of Texas’ judicial poll for the race for Justice on the Third Court of Appeals. The bar poll is an important part of the election process–the opportunity for the legal community to let the general public know its feelings about the race.

Attorneys in good standing with the State Bar of Texas whose preferred mailing address is within the Third Court district may vote online at TexasBar.com with your Bar Card Number.

The Third Court of Appeals is one of the most important courts in Texas. It handles civil and criminal appeals from 24 Central Texas counties, including Travis. Because the district includes our state capital, the court hears many appeals involving state agencies, state officials, and administrative actions. As a result, the Third Court has a tremendous impact on the legal issues that impact our entire state. If you care about jurisprudence in Texas, you need to care about the Third Court of Appeals.

I am the only candidate who is board-certified in civil appellate law, and the only candidate with significant civil and criminal appellate experience.

As I travel around the district, I repeatedly hear the same comments from attorneys: the Third Court has become too partisan, the current backlog is unacceptable, and the court needs to apply the law fairly. If given the opportunity to serve, I will work tirelessly, apply the law evenhandedly, and never forget the importance of each opinion to the parties, their counsel, and the jurisprudence of the state. I will staunchly defend the right to trial and the proper role of our courts.

I have dedicated my legal career to the Texas appellate courts, and if elected I will be just as dedicated to making the Third Court an institution of which all Texans can be proud. I hope you will consider my experience and commitment to appellate advocacy and support me in the bar poll as the most qualified candidate for the Third Court of Appeals.

I would be honored to earn your support in the bar poll. If you do not wish to vote online, a paper ballot has also been mailed to the preferred address you have listed with the State Bar of Texas. The deadline to vote is February 24th.