I am the Democratic Nominee for Judge for the 246th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas.  I believe my experience as a family law attorney, mediator and arbitrator, and my personal experiences as a step parent make me uniquely qualified to serve on the bench.

I have practiced family law in the Houston area for 29 years and am certified as a Family Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.  I belong to the State Bar of Texas, Houston Bar Association, Texas Family Law Foundation, Houston Bar Foundation, Texas Bar Foundation, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists and the Burta Rhodes Raborn Inns of Court.  In 2008, I was named one of Houston’s Top Lawyer for the People by H Texas Magazine.  I have written various legal articles and have been a presenter at several seminars for family law attorneys.

Throughout my career, I have represented both men and women in family law litigation involving the division of property and custody cases. I have been appointed by the courts to represent children in very contentious custody battles. In recent years, I have developed a successful mediation practice in which I assist the parties to reach a settlement of their family law case, avoiding expensive and heart wrenching trials at the courthouse.  This combined experience of advocating for litigants in the courtroom and acting as a neutral facilitator listening to both sides of the issues in mediation, will be invaluable as a Judge presiding over family law cases in Harris County.

My thirteen-year marriage to my husband, Dave Artz, and the incredible experience I have had as stepmother to my sons, Zach (24) and Sam (22) , have given me a great appreciation and understanding of the issues related to step and blended families.  My experience and understanding of the dynamics of these relationships can only enhance my abilities in deciding issues affecting children before the court.

If elected, I will use my legal and practical knowledge as well as the critical skills I have developed to serve the families of Harris County.  I am committed to making fair and impartial rulings based on the law and on the facts before me regardless of the race, gender, religion or sexual orientation of those before the court.  I am additionally committed to utilize my time and all court personnel to improve the efficiency of the court to reach as many cases as possible in the timeliest manner.

The general election is November 2, 2010, and I face the Republican incumbent who has been on the bench for 15 years. A countywide campaign like this requires a significant investment of time and resources and I NEED YOUR HELP!  Please review the Supporters page and find one or more areas in which you can lend your support.

Qualifications

• Board Certified Family Law Specialist
• 29 years in Family Law private practice
• State Bar of Texas, Houston Bar Association; Texas Bar Foundation; Houston Bar Foundation
• Trained mediator and arbitrator
• Houston Area Women’s Center; Completed Hotline, Advocacy and Childcare Training, 2009
• Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists
• Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists
• Voted 2008 Top Lawyer for the People by H Texas Magazine
• Volunteer – Planned Parenthood; Center for the Healing of Racism; Dispute Resolution Center; Habitat for Humanity;  The Salvation Army

If you have any questions about my candidacy or the campaign, please feel free to contact me at (713) 228-2857.

Thank you.

Sherri Cothrun subscribes to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices