Nick earned his bachelor's degree in government from the University of Texas and his law degree from Baylor Law School. He lives with his wife, Kathryn, and their 2 children in Allandale. 

Nick currently works a a faculty member of the Texas Justice Court Training Center. He previously worked as an attorney in the county attorney's office and the district attorney's office.

Nick Chu currently serves as a judge for Travis County Probate Court 2. He was first appointed in 2023 and is serving his first term. He previously served as a justice of the peace for Travis County Precinct 5 for 2 terms from 2017 to 2023.

As a probate court judge, oversees minor preliminary criminal hearings and civil suits, issues marriage licenses and warrants, administers the estates of deceased persons, appoints guardians to incapacitated individuals, and commits individuals addiction and mental illness treatment.

As an assistant district attorney, prosecuted civil and criminal cases, supervised staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

As a county assistant law director, provided legal counsel and representation to the county and its officials, prepared legal opinions and answers to complaints for the law department, reviewed records, and developed case strategy for the law department’s prosecutions.

As a justice court judge, oversaw cases involving minor criminal offenses and low-value civil suits, administered oaths to public officials, handled requests for orders of protection against harassment, and performed marriage ceremonies.

- As a probate court judge, oversees minor preliminary criminal hearings and civil suits, issues marriage licenses and warrants, administers the estates of deceased persons, appoints guardians to incapacitated individuals, and commits individuals addiction and mental illness treatment.
- As an assistant district attorney, prosecuted civil and criminal cases, supervised staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.
- As a county assistant law director, provided legal counsel and representation to the county and its officials, prepared legal opinions and answers to complaints for the law department, reviewed records, and developed case strategy for the law department’s prosecutions.
- As a justice court judge, oversaw cases involving minor criminal offenses and low-value civil suits, administered oaths to public officials, handled requests for orders of protection against harassment, and performed marriage ceremonies.

Legal Experience

Candidate website

As Justice of the Peace, led efforts to implement progressive justice system reforms, modernize court processes, and assist vulnerable community members in accessing justice.

As justice of the peace, led efforts to implement progressive justice system reforms and modernize court processes.

- As justice of the peace, led efforts to implement progressive justice system reforms and modernize court processes.

Judicial Administration

Supports expanding cite and release programs to avoid arresting individuals for low-priority, non-violent misdemeanor offenses.

As District Attorney, created a diversion program to remove marijuana cases from the criminal court system in Travis County.

At the district attorney's office, helped create a diversion program to remove marijuana cases from the criminal court system in Travis County.

As Justice of the Peace, prioritized criminal justice reform by encouraging diversion programs for low-level offenses and providing free legal assistance for those unable to pay for an attorney.

As justice of the peace, prioritized criminal justice reform by encouraging diversion programs for low-level offenses and providing free legal assistance for those unable to pay for an attorney.

- Supports expanding cite and release programs to avoid arresting individuals for low-priority, non-violent misdemeanor offenses.
- At the district attorney's office, helped create a diversion program to remove marijuana cases from the criminal court system in Travis County.
- As justice of the peace, prioritized criminal justice reform by encouraging diversion programs for low-level offenses and providing free legal assistance for those unable to pay for an attorney.

Judicial Philosophy

As of September 7, 2024, Nick Chu’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Served as chair of the Texas Supreme Court’s COVID-19 Response Task Force for Justice Courts

- Served as chair of the Texas Supreme Court’s COVID-19 Response Task Force for Justice Courts

Community Involvement

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Nick Chu

Nick earned his bachelor's degree in government from the University of Texas and his law degree from Baylor Law School. He lives with his wife, Kathryn, and their 2 kids in Allandale. 

Nick currently works as a probate judge in Travis County. He is also a faculty member of the Texas Justice Court Training Center. He previously served as Travis County justice of the peace, and as attorney in the county attorney's office and the district attorney's office. He is In addition to his legal work, he has held many roles within the Travis County Democratic party. 

Nick Chu currently serves as a judge for Travis County Probate Court 2. He was first appointed in 2023 and is serving his first term. He previously served as a justice of the peace for Travis County Precinct 5 from 2017 to 2023, serving 2 terms.

- As an assistant district attorney, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.
- As a county assistant law director, provided legal counsel and representation to the county and its officials, prepared legal opinions and answers to complaints for the law department, conducted interviews, reviewed records, and developed case strategy for the law department’s prosecutions.
- As a probate court judge, oversees minor preliminary criminal hearings and civil suits, issues marriage licenses and warrants, administers the estates of deceased persons, appoints guardians to incapacitated adults and minors, and commits individuals for involuntary treatment of addiction and mental illness.
- As a justice court judge, oversaw cases involving minor criminal offenses and low-value civil suits, administered oaths to public officials, handled requests for orders of protection against harassment, and performed marriage ceremonies.

- At the district attorney's office, helped create a diversion program to remove marijuana cases from the criminal court system in Travis County.
- As justice of the peace, prioritized criminal justice reform by encouraging diversion programs for low-level offenses and providing free legal assistance for those unable to pay for an attorney.
- Supports expanding cite and release programs to avoid arresting individuals for low-priority, non-violent misdemeanor offenses.

Nick Chu lives in the Allandale neighborhood with his wife, Kathryn Whitley Chu, their daughter, Vivia, their son, Jack, and their cat, Peanut. He graduated from Baylor Law School and the University of Texas, where he received his B.A.

Nick Chu is the Judge of Probate Court No. 2. He previously served as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 5 in Travis County.

Nick Chu has served as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 5 since 2017 and is currently the Judge of Probate Court No. 2. He was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court’s COVID-19 Response Task Force for Justice Courts and the Remote Proceedings Task Force. He is running for a full four-year term as Probate Judge in the March 2024 Democratic Primary.

Supports innovative judicial practices, such as virtual jury trials, to reduce case backlogs and enhance safety.

As chair of the Texas Supreme Court’s COVID-19 Response Task Force for Justice Courts, ordered measures to mitigate COVID-19 spread in courts, establishing state leadership in pandemic judicial response.

As a Justice of the Peace, instituted a program with the Texas Poverty Law Project and other non-profit legal programs to provide lawyers to all indigent litigants facing a class C misdemeanor case or eviction case.

As a leader in the judiciary, created programs that divert low-level offenders from the criminal justice system and increased access to justice by providing free legal assistance to those unable to pay for an attorney.

As a national leader on judicial administration, spoke at various classes, forums, and webinars regarding virtual court proceedings during the pandemic.

Running to remain Probate Judge and is seeking a full four-year term in the March 2024 Democratic Primary.

As lead attorney at the County Attorney’s office and District Attorney’s office in Travis County, focused on diversion programs for drug addiction, alcohol dependency, and special needs juveniles.

As a judge, presided over the nation’s first criminal (traffic ticket) jury trial by videoconference.

As a judge, created a Driving While License Invalid Diversion Program to remove those cases from the criminal court system and help indigent litigants.

Served as Chair of the Committee on Political Education for the Central Labor Council.

Complies with the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act's voluntary campaign finance limits.

- Texas county probate judges handle all cases in probate, including estate administration, wills, guardianships, and incapacitation cases.
- There are a total of 24 probate judges across 12 counties within the state.
- They are paid an annual salary between $158,000 and $193,400.

Travis Probate Court Judge

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