Meet Former Justice Julie Countiss: Proven Appellate Experience

Former Justice Julie Countiss brings extensive experience in Texas appellate law, civil litigation, and public service. Elected in 2018 to serve as Justice, Place 7, on the Court of Appeals for the First District of Texas, she completed a six-year term on the Court through December 31, 2024. During her time on the appellate bench, Julie authored more than 300 written opinions on the merits and participated in thousands of additional appellate matters. Her judicial work involved a broad range of complex civil cases, including commercial and business disputes, construction and contract litigation, personal injury matters, governmental immunity, trust and estate disputes, class-certification questions, and arbitration-related appeals. In 2022, the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists named her Appellate Judge of the Year.

Julie’s legal career began well before her service on the First Court of Appeals. After earning her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 2002, she practiced law in the private sector before returning to public service as an Assistant County Attorney with the Harris County Attorney’s Office. There, she represented Harris County in state and federal civil matters involving civil rights litigation, neighborhood protection and nuisance abatement, and claims arising under the Texas Tort Claims Act. She also advised county officials on legal and regulatory matters involving local, state, and federal law. This combination of private practice, government service, civil litigation, and appellate judicial experience has given Julie a wide-ranging perspective on the legal issues that come before Texas courts.

Julie Countiss’s commitment to public service began long before she entered the legal profession. Born and raised in the Texas Panhandle, Julie graduated from Southern Methodist University before joining Teach for America in 1993. She taught elementary school students in the South Bronx in New York City and later continued teaching after returning to Texas. That early experience in education helped shape a career centered on public service. After earning her law degree and gaining experience in private practice, Julie returned to government service with Harris County before eventually being elected to the appellate bench.

Her service has also extended beyond the courtroom. In 2019, the Supreme Court of Texas appointed Julie Countiss to the Texas Children’s Commission, which works to strengthen Texas's child welfare system through judicial leadership, education, collaboration, and improvements in legal and judicial practices affecting children and families. Julie has also been actively involved in the Houston Bar Association, including leadership roles with the Law Library Committee, Professionalism Committee, Civil Trial and Appellate Bench Bar Committee, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. She has received two Houston Bar Association President’s Awards for her service and has participated in programs focused on legal education, professionalism, and access to the legal profession.