I have the experience to become a Justice of the Peace.  I am a lawyer who practiced law for 15 years, and I also have experience managing people

Law School & Legal Background

I graduated from the University of Texas School of Law with honors in 1980.  I passed the Texas Bar Exam and began working for El Paso Natural Gas Company in El Paso, Texas as part of their in-house legal staff.  As an in-house attorney, I provided legal advice and worked on lawsuits, including collection and bankruptcy matters.  I also negotiated settlements and drafted contracts.  

Essential Tools Gained from the Practice of Law

My experience with EPNG provided tools that are essential to be an excellent Justice of the Peace.  Although Justice Courts have relaxed rules of procedure, they are still Courts.  A deep understanding of procedure, jurisdiction, legal research, how the Federal, State, and Local laws interact will be helpful, if not essential, in performing my duties as Justice of the Peace.

Developing the Skill of Asking the Right Questions

During my time with EPNG, I learned how to ask questions to understand the relevant facts.  I learned that my client (EPNG) did not necessarily give me all of the relevant facts when they presented the facts of the case to me.  It only takes one time of learning important facts during a deposition to realize that I had to become more proactive in understanding the facts.  The skill of being able to ask the right questions to get to the truth is a skill you develop over time.  This is a very good skill for any judge, but especially a Justice of the Peace to have.

Learning How to Manage People

After working for EPNG for 15 years, I decided to pursue owning my own business.  I became part owner and full owner of various small businesses over the years.  During this time, I learned how to manage an office.  This is also an essential skill for a Justice of the Peace because  the Justice is not just a judge that shows up to hear cases, but a manager of an office.

The Skill of Seamlessly Taking Over the Management of an Office  

I was a part owner and manager of a Case IH dealership in Las Cruces, New Mexico for a number of years.  We purchased the ongoing business, with about 30 employees.  I learned how to manage a group of people who I had no hand in hiring.  As an elected Justice of the Peace, you will have an office that is already running.  It requires skill to step into this position without either (1) being managed by your employees or (2) chasing off your most competent people.  I know I am up to the task.