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Judicial Q&A: Julie Countiss | Off the Kuff

Julie earned a bachelor's degree in history from Southern Methodist University and a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. She lives with her husband, and they have two children. 

Julie is a justice on the First District Court of Appeals in Texas. She works on the Court, where she has served since being elected in November 2018. She previously worked in private law practice, then joined the Office of the Harris County Attorney as an assistant county attorney, representing the county in civil rights cases, nuisance abatement, and tort claims. Early in her career, she taught elementary school in the South Bronx as a Teach for America Corps member from 1993 to 1995.

Julie is currently a Member at Conklin Countiss Sternfel, PLLC. Previously, she was a justice on the First District Court of Appeals in Texas. She previously worked in private law at the Office of the Harris County Attorney as an assistant county attorney, and taught elementary school in the South Bronx as a Teach for America Corps member.

Julie Countiss - Ballotpedia

Co-chaired the Law Library Committee, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, the Professionalism Committee and the Civil Trial and Appellate Bench Bar Committee.

Co-chairs the Law Library Committee, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, the Professionalism Committee and the Civil Trial and Appellate Bench Bar Committee.

As a federal appeals court judge, ensures federal law has been applied correctly in all civil, criminal, and constitutional cases where a defendant or qualified plaintiff requests review of a lower court’s ruling.

As an Assistant County Attorney, "represented Harris County in civil matters in state and federal court including civil rights litigation, nuisance abatement/neighborhood protection, and claims subject to the Texas Tort Claims Act."

- Co-chairs the Law Library Committee, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, the Professionalism Committee and the Civil Trial and Appellate Bench Bar Committee.
- As a federal appeals court judge, ensures federal law has been applied correctly in all civil, criminal, and constitutional cases where a defendant or qualified plaintiff requests review of a lower court’s ruling.
- As an Assistant County Attorney, "represented Harris County in civil matters in state and federal court including civil rights litigation, nuisance abatement/neighborhood protection, and claims subject to the Texas Tort Claims Act."

Legal Experience

As of January 22, 2026, Julie Countiss’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Served as a member of the National Association of Women Judges and serves on the Houston Color of Justice host committee. She is an active member of the Houston Bar Association, where she co-chairs the Law Library Committee.

- Served as a member of the National Association of Women Judges and serves on the Houston Color of Justice host committee. She is an active member of the Houston Bar Association, where she co-chairs the Law Library Committee.

Community Involvement

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Julie Countiss

Julie Countiss — Conklin Countiss Sternfels

- 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.