The following are the complete and unedited responses submitted by the candidate listed below to the Amarillo Pioneer’s Candidate Questionnaire.
Joe Marr Wilson/Photo by Joe Marr Wilson
Name: Joe Marr Wilson
Office Sought: 108th District Court Judge
Party Affiliation: Republican
Age: 59
Educational Background: Texas Tech University (J.D. 1988)
West Texas State University (B.S. 1985)
Occupation: Attorney
Please list any civic boards or commissions (non-profit, government, union, religious, political, etc.) on which you have served as a board member or equivalent.
Panhandle Family Law Association - Member and Past Director; Panhandle Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association - Member and Past President; Potter and Randall County Courts Working Group - Member; Amarillo Community Center - Past Director
Have you previously held or do you currently hold any elected office? If so, what office(s)?
No
If your campaign has any online campaign resources where voters can learn more about you, such as social media accounts or a website, please list them below.
Website - joemarrwilsonforjudge.com; Facebook - www.facebook.com/joemarrwilson
Why did you decide to run for this office in 2024?
First and foremost, my decision to pursue a judicial position is rooted in a deep commitment to justice and a strong belief in the importance of a fair and impartial legal system. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative power that the judiciary holds in shaping the lives of individuals and the community at large. I am driven by a desire to contribute to the continued enhancement of our legal system, ensuring that it remains a pillar of integrity and fairness.
Furthermore, my experiences in family, criminal and civil law have provided me with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by our community. I believe that a well-qualified and compassionate judge can play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges and promoting positive change. My dedication to public service has always been at the forefront of my career and running for judge is a natural extension of my commitment to serving the needs of our community.
I am also inspired by the idea of fostering a sense of trust and confidence in the legal system. A judge holds a position of great responsibility and I am eager to contribute to building a judiciary that is transparent, accessible and accountable. In running for judge, I aim to promote public trust in our legal institutions and uphold the principles that underpin a just society.
If elected, what will be your top priority?
If elected as judge for the 108th District Court, my top priority would be to foster a judicial environment that prioritizes fairness, efficiency, and accessibility for all members of our community.
1. Ensuring Fairness and Impartiality: Upholding the principles of justice is paramount. I am dedicated to ensuring that every individual who enters the courtroom is treated with fairness and impartiality. I will strive to create an environment where all parties feel heard, respected and confident in the legal process.
2. Improving Judicial Efficiency: Recognizing the importance of timely resolution, I will focus on streamlining court processes without compromising the quality of justice. This includes implementing innovative case management techniques, leveraging technology where applicable, and collaborating with legal professionals to enhance the efficiency of legal proceedings.
3. Enhancing Access to Justice: Access to justice is a fundamental right that I am committed to promoting. I will work to eliminate barriers that may hinder individuals from navigating the legal system and ensuring that justice is accessible to everyone, regardless of socio-economic status or background.
4. Community Engagement and Education: I believe in the power of community engagement and education. If elected, I will actively engage with the community to understand its needs and concerns. Additionally, I will work to enhance public awareness and understanding of legal processes, fostering a sense of trust and transparency.
5. Ethical Leadership and Accountability: Upholding the highest standards of judicial ethics is non-negotiable. I will lead by example, promoting accountability, transparency and integrity within the judiciary. This commitment is essential for building and maintaining public trust in the legal system.
I am passionate about the role of a district judge in shaping a fair and efficient legal landscape. If elected, I will dedicate myself to these priorities, working collaboratively with legal professionals, community stakeholders and the public to ensure a justice system that serves the needs of our community effectively
Please describe your legal career experience and discuss any career highlights you would like to share.
Family Law Advocacy: My commitment to family law stems from a profound understanding of the intricate dynamics that families navigate during challenging times. Over my 35 year career, I have been honored to guide well over 3,500 individuals through divorce proceedings, child custody battles and domestic disputes. The ability to provide compassionate counsel while advocating for the best interests of children and families has been a cornerstone of my legal practice.
Criminal Justice Advocacy: In the criminal justice arena, I have dedicated myself to upholding the principles of justice, defending the rights of the accused and ensuring a fair and impartial legal process. Whether representing clients in complex trials or negotiating plea agreements, my focus has always been on safeguarding the constitutional rights of every individual, fostering a system that is both just and compassionate.
Civil Law Expertise: Civil law, with its diverse array of cases, has been another avenue through which I've channeled my legal acumen. From personal injury claims to contractual disputes, I have navigated the intricate details of civil litigation with precision and dedication. My goal has been to bring about equitable resolutions and uphold the principles of fairness and justice in every case.
The Intersection of Experience: What sets my legal journey apart is the intersection of these three vital areas. The comprehensive understanding I have gained in family, criminal and civil law allows me to approach legal challenges holistically, recognizing the interconnectedness of these facets within the broader spectrum of justice.
Career Highlight: My wife, Becky, and I worked arduously to locate two little girls taken from the only family they had ever known, facilitate their return to Texas and secure permanent custody for their grandmother after the girls' mother had been brutally murdered. Once the case had concluded, we were asked to be Godparents to the precious little girls, aged three and five. I truly believe this to be the most rewarding experience of my legal career. I don't know that there could be any higher honor bestowed upon oneself than being asked to be a child's Godparent.
During your time in law school, what was the most profound lesson you learned that continues to play a role in your career and/or your life?
As I reflect on my journey through law school, one profound lesson continues to serve as an unwavering guidepost in both my career and life. It is a lesson that transcends the confines of legal textbooks, resonating deeply in every courtroom, negotiation room and personal interaction.
One lesson that stood out above the rest was the power of empathy. Law school taught me that behind every case file, statute or legal argument, there beats a human heart. It emphasized that understanding the human experience, with all its complexities and nuances, is not just an academic pursuit but an ethical imperative.
This lesson has woven itself into the fabric of my legal career. It has empowered me to approach each case with a balance of legal analysis and genuine compassion. In family law, criminal justice and civil disputes, recognizing the human element has been instrumental in finding equitable resolutions and advocating for justice with both conviction and sensitivity.
Beyond the courtroom, this lesson has significantly shaped my personal interactions. It has deepened my appreciation for diverse perspectives, enhanced my ability to navigate challenging conversations and reinforced the belief that understanding and empathy are not just tools of the trade but requirements for having a fulfilling life.
I carry this invaluable lesson from law school as a constant reminder that the law, at its core, is a tool for positive change and that every legal decision has a profound impact on the lives it touches.
What fictional lawyer do you most identify with? Please explain.
Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" (Harper Lee). Atticus Finch is known for his unwavering moral compass, integrity and commitment to justice. I believe in standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
Saul Goodman from "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" (TV series). I appreciate a mix of legal expertise, humor, and a willingness to navigate the gray areas of the law
Do you have any notable endorsements you would like to highlight for voters?
Tom Pauken, former Chairman of the Texas Republican Party and former member and Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission
Vance Reed, Chairman of Reed Beverage
Dee Miller, Attorney/Co-Owner of American Land & Title Company
Oth Miller, Attorney/Co-Owner of American Land & Title Company
Tom Riney, Attorney
Over 60 other local and area attorneys
Over 30 current and former local and area law enforcement officials
Why are you the best candidate for voters to support for this position?
Proven Legal Expertise: With over 35 years of experience practicing family, criminal and civil law, along with being one of only fourteen attorneys certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in both family and criminal law, I bring a wealth of experience and legal expertise to the table. My track record demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexities of the law and a commitment to upholding its principles.
Commitment to Fairness and Impartiality: I am unwavering in my commitment to fairness and impartiality. Every individual who enters the courtroom deserves to be treated with respect, dignity and an assurance that their case will be adjudicated justly. I bring a balanced and unbiased approach to the bench.
Efficiency and Innovation: Recognizing the importance of a streamlined legal process, I am dedicated to implementing innovative solutions and efficient case management techniques. My goal is to ensure that justice is not only served but is also accessible in a timely manner for all members of our community.
Ethical Leadership: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct is non-negotiable. I believe in leading by example, fostering an environment of transparency, accountability, and integrity within the judiciary. As your District Judge, I will be a steadfast advocate for ethical leadership.
Listening to Your Concerns: Your concerns matter, and I am here to listen. My candidacy is not just about legal expertise and experience, but also about understanding the needs and aspirations of our community. I am dedicated to being a responsive and accessible judge who values community input.
In Conclusion:
I humbly ask for your support based on my demonstrated commitment to justice, legal expertise, community engagement, and ethical leadership. Together, we can ensure that our district judiciary reflects the values and aspirations of the community it serves.
Thank you for considering me as your candidate for District Judge. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you and uphold the principles of justice in our community.