Justice Willett's Latest Tweets
Meet Justice Willett
Serving our glorious Lone Star State on the Supreme Court of Texas these past six years has been an indescribable honor.
Growing up in a rural town of 32 people and raised by a heroic widowed mom who never finished high school, I never imagined one day serving on the highest civil court in Texas.
Every time I walk onto the bench in Austin, I say a prayer – every single time – for wisdom, for discernment, and of bottomless gratitude for the unfathomable blessing of serving 25 million Texans on the Supreme Court.
The law is a majestic thing – something that impacts the life of every single Texan – and the title “Justice” imposes a sacred duty: to apply our laws with wisdom and evenhandedness, and to never legislate from the bench.
I promise to keep fulfilling my oath with gladness and gusto, mindful that an impartial legal system is indispensable to a strong Texas.
I cannot overstate my gratitude for your stalwart support . . . and for the profound honor of serving you and our great Lone Star State.
Extensive Legal Experience
- Justice, Supreme Court of Texas (2005-present)
- Deputy Attorney General of Texas – Legal Counsel (2003-05)
- Deputy Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice (2002-03)
- Special Assistant to the President, The White House (2001-02)
- Lawyer, Office of Governor George W. Bush (1996-2000)
- Associate, Haynes and Boone LLP (1993-96)
- Law Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (1992-93)
Educational Background
- Duke University, J.D. with honors, 1992
- Duke University, A.M. (Political Science), 1992
- Baylor University, B.B.A. (Triple Major), 1988
Selected Civic Honors and Activities
- Price Daniel Distinguished Public Service Award (Baylor University)
- Outstanding Young Alumnus of Baylor University
- Faith and Integrity in Legal Service Award
- Austin Under 40 Award for Government and Public Affairs
- Forney Hall of Honor
- Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation and Austin Bar Foundation
- Member, American Law Institute
- Non-resident Fellow, Program for Research on Religion and Urban Civil Society at the University of Pennsylvania
- Past and Present Board and Nonprofit Service: National Fatherhood Initiative, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas, SafePlace, ConSource, Texas Lyceum, Honors College at Baylor University, Harlan Institute, Texas Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, Texas Commission on Judicial efficiency (judicial selection reform task force), Leadership Austin, TEXAS REVIEW OF LAW & POLITICS, the Federalist Society (Austin chapter)
- Texas Supreme Court Liaison to the Texas Center for Legal Ethics, the Texas Center for the Judiciary, the Task Force to Ensure Judicial Readiness in Times of Emergency, and the Grievance Oversight Committee
Justice Willett's wife, Tiffany, has served in the Texas Senate and also in the White House, where she was Education Director for the President's Commission on White House Fellowships. She most recently worked for Texas CASA, which advocates for abused and neglected children in the court system. They have three young children – Jacob, Shane-David, and Genevieve – and attend Lake Hills Church.