Linda Thomas (pictured), who has headed up the 5th Court of Appeals in Dallas as its chief justice for nearly 15 years, announced today that she’s retiring from the bench. “It has been a great privilege to serve the people in this geographic region, but after nearly 31 years on the bench, I am ready to pursue the next phase of my legal career,” a press release quotes Thomas as saying. That next phase will be in arbitration and mediation, specifically in family law cases, according to the release. Thomas started her judicial career in 1978 when she was elected to the 256th District Court bench, notes the release. She was elected to the 5th Court in 1986 and became its chief -- the first woman to hold that position -- in 1995, notes the release. Judges all across the state owe Thomas a huge debt of gratitude; she was heavily involved in convincing the Texas Legislature to approve judicial raises in 2005. Thomas did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment.
--- John Council
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September 08, 2009
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Justice Thomas is a terrific jurist and her wisdom and depth of understanding of the law will be greatly missed. Beyond that, she is a wonderful person!
Posted by: Michelle May O’Neil | September 08, 2009 at 09:35 PM