A proud West Texan, Justice Farris was raised in Big Spring and found her passion for the law as a college intern in the Howard County Attorney’s Office. Inspired by her grandfather’s sense of justice and service, she pursued a career where she could uphold the Constitution and serve her fellow Texans.

Justice April Farris | Fifteenth Court of Appeals | Texas

She is a volunteer for Girl Scouts and Tallowood Baptist Church. Farris received a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from Abilene Christian University and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School.

Governor Abbott Appoints Farris To First Court of Appeals | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott

April Farris was raised in Big Spring. She earned a Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing communications from Abilene Christian University and a law degree from Harvard Law School. She volunteers with Girl Scouts and Tallowood Baptist Church.

Governor Abbott Appoints Inaugural Members To Fifteenth Court Of ...

Before joining the Court, April was a partner at Yetter Coleman LLP, where she handled complex appellate litigation for energy, technology, and government clients. While in private practice, she was recognized in appellate law by Law360, Best Lawyers in America, and Thompson Reuters' Super Lawyers. In 2020, she was one of five attorneys in the nation to be named a Law360 appellate Rising Star, an honor reserved for lawyers under 40.

TJB | 15th COA | About the Court | Justices | Justice April Farris

April previously served as an Assistant Solicitor General for the State of Texas, handling appeals for various Texas agencies. She is a former councilmember for the Texas State Bar's Appellate Section and a current councilmember for the Civil Rights & Civil Liberties Section.

April clerked for Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. She graduated from Harvard Law School cum laude in 2009, and she earned her bachelor's degree summa cum laude from Abilene Christian University in 2006.

April Farris previously worked as a partner at Yetter Coleman LLP, an assistant solicitor general for the State of Texas, and a clerk for Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Justice April Farris - 15th COA - Texas Courts

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April Farris was appointed to the Fifteenth Court of Appeals on September 1 of 2024. April previously served on the First Court of Appeals after being appointed in 2021 and elected in 2022.

April was appointed to the Fifteenth Court of Appeals in 2024. She previously served on the First Court of Appeals after being appointed in 2021 and elected in 2022.

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Nonpartisan

Was appointed to the Fifteenth Court of Appeals in 2024.

As a state court of appeals judge, ensures the law has been applied correctly in state criminal and civil cases and exercises the authority to correct procedural errors or misinterpretations of fact or law by lower courts.

Previously served on the First Court of Appeals after being appointed in 2021 and elected in 2022.

Worked as a partner at Yetter Coleman LLP, handling complex appellate litigation for energy, technology, and government clients.

Served as an assistant solicitor general for Texas, handling appeals for state agencies.

Served as a law clerk for Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

- As a state court of appeals judge, ensures the law has been applied correctly in state criminal and civil cases and exercises the authority to correct procedural errors or misinterpretations of fact or law by lower courts.
- Previously served on the First Court of Appeals after being appointed in 2021 and elected in 2022.
- Worked as a partner at Yetter Coleman LLP, handling complex appellate litigation for energy, technology, and government clients.
- Served as an assistant solicitor general for Texas, handling appeals for state agencies.
- Served as a law clerk for Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Legal Experience

As of July 22, 2026, April Farris’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

## My Judicial Philosophy

Serving on the Fifteenth Court of Appeals is one of the greatest responsibilities of my career. Every decision I make is guided by a commitment to the rule of law, the Constitution, and the trust that Texans place in their courts.

I believe that judges should interpret the law as written—not rewrite it. My role is not to impose personal views or policy preferences, but to fairly and consistently apply the law in every case.

### “It is a privilege to serve the people of Texas on the Fifteenth Court of Appeals. I believe every Texan deserves equal treatment under the law and a fair, impartial judge. That’s the promise I work to uphold every day.”
– Justice April Farris

My role is not to impose personal views or policy preferences, but to fairly and consistently apply the law in every case.

Texans deserve a judiciary that is impartial, principled, and grounded in respect for the legal process. I’m proud to serve with that mission in mind—ensuring that every person who appears before the court receives a fair hearing and equal justice under the law.

Believes judges should interpret the law as written and not impose personal views or policy preferences.

Pledges to provide fair, impartial treatment and equal justice under the law.

- Believes judges should interpret the law as written and not impose personal views or policy preferences.
- Pledges to provide fair, impartial treatment and equal justice under the law.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Volunteers with Tallowood Baptist Church.

- Volunteers with Girl Scouts.
- Volunteers with Tallowood Baptist Church.

Community Involvement

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April Farris

- Was appointed to the Fifteenth Court of Appeals in 2024.
- Previously served on the First Court of Appeals after being appointed in 2021 and elected in 2022.
- Worked as a partner at Yetter Coleman LLP, handling complex appellate litigation for energy, technology, and government clients.
- Served as an assistant solicitor general for Texas, handling appeals for state agencies.
- Served as a law clerk for Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

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Marc M. Meyer

- In Texas, appeals from district and county courts, except death penalty cases, go to one of 14 intermediate courts of appeal.
- There are a total of 80 appellate court seats, distributed variably among the courts based on population across the 14 districts.
- Courts with more than three justices decide cases in rotating panels of three.
- Justices are elected in partisan elections for six-year terms.
- The yearly salary for a Court of Appeals justice in Texas is between $192,500 and $255,050 based on the total number of years they have served.

Hears appeals on orders and decisions made by lower trial courts.