Judge Jerry Simoneaux's Key Accomplishments

Making Our Court More Accessible

• Pioneered Digital Courts in Harris County – In my first 4 months as judge, I made Probate Court 1 the first county court to go fully digital, eliminating huge stacks of paper files in the court--which also ended the need for the manual signing of orders--creating a much more efficient (and environmentally friendly) court.
• First to Offer Remote Hearings – In October 2019 (months before COVID), we became the first court in Harris County to offer remote hearings by video, saving them time off work and travel expenses.
• State-of-the-Art Technology – Led the installation of cutting-edge equipment, allowing residents to participate in proceedings remotely, in-person, or in a hybrid format, making justice accessible to everyone regardless of circumstances.
• Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals – Installed new assisted hearing devices in the courtroom for those who are hard of hearing. For online appearances, our software offers closed captioning and a new special visual module for enhanced ASL interpretation.
• Enhanced Language Support Systems - The courtroom audio assistance devices also have two audio channels for simultaneous translation. For online participants, I implemented separate audio channel capabilities for simultaneous translation.
• Eliminated Backlogs - Uncontested matters can be set for a hearing as soon as the attorney is ready. No waiting.
• Online Scheduling - Implemented online scheduling for almost all uncontested matters.
• Efficient Trial Management - Manages over 80 contested matters per year with time to trial reduced from 2 years to 9 months, in most cases.

Supporting Families and Protecting Vulnerable Individuals

• Improved Guardian Oversight – Partnered with the Texas State Office of Court Administration to audit all guardianship cases, ensuring better protection for vulnerable residents. Harris County now has one of the state's highest compliance rates.
• Wedding Services Restored – Brought back wedding ceremonies to Probate Court 1 after an 8-year absence, officiating over 100 weddings in the first year alone. Weddings are offered in English, Spanish, and French. Translators are always welcome.
• Multilingual Services – Several staff members are certified bilingual in English and Spanish. 
• Family-Friendly Court Policies – Created automatic four-month case postponements for attorneys welcoming new children through birth, adoption, or fostering – one of the first courts in Texas to implement such a policy.

Leading for Equality and Fairness

• Modernized Court Language – Collaborated with the County Clerk to remove outdated sexist language from legal forms and court documents (changing terms like "executrix" to gender-neutral alternatives).
• LGBTQ+ Inclusivity - Developed a non-gender-specific dress code and enhanced training of court staff on LGBTQ+ issues and accommodations.
• Implicit Bias - I received 8 hours of professional implicit bias training and imparted my knowledge to all staff members.
• Enhanced Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing - The courtroom has assisted listening devices for the hard of hearing. Our online services offer closed captioning and special visual modules for ASL interpretation.

Service During COVID-19 Crisis

• Uninterrupted Court Operations – From March 2020 to March 2022, successfully conducted over 6,000 remote hearings and 40 bench trials, ensuring that families could still get vital legal matters resolved during the pandemic.
• Safe In-Person Proceedings – Carefully managed 5 in-person jury trials with strict safety protocols, maintaining public health while fulfilling our constitutional duties.

Professional Leadership and Recognition

• National Leadership Role – Selected as one of only 5 national delegates by the National Center for State Courts to participate in the Fourth National Guardianship Summit, helping shape better guardianship laws nationwide.
• Founding Legal Mentorship Organization – Established the Texas Probate Law American Inn of Court to promote professionalism and mentor new attorneys, improving the quality of legal representation for Harris County residents.
• Expanded Legal Expertise – Led the committee to create a new Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Trust, Estate, and Guardianship Litigation, raising the standard of legal practice in these critical areas.
• Volunteer Legal Services – Serving as a Director on the Board of the Houston Volunteer Lawyers, helping provide free legal assistance to those who cannot afford it.
• Sharing Knowledge – Taught over 30 continuing education courses for judges, attorneys, and legal organizations across Texas, improving the quality of legal services statewide.
• State Recognition – Received two awards from the State Bar of Texas:
  • The Judge Merrill Hartman Pro Bono Judge Award from the State Bar of Texas for exceptional work in facilitating legal aid for disadvantaged residents.
  • The Judge Norman Black Award for Social Justice
• Consistently Rated in the Top 1% - Members of the Houston Bar Association have rated me in the top 1% of all elected judges in Harris County every year since I took the bench in 2019. (not an endorsement by the HBA)