David Gunn is from Houston. He has a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, a master's degree in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a master's degree in law from the University of Houston, and a law degree from Baylor University.

David is a Justice on the Texas First Court of Appeals. He works at the First Court of Appeals, where he reviews appeals in civil and criminal cases. He previously worked at the law firm Beck Redden, LLP, where he joined its appellate practice more than twenty years ago and helped build its appellate team.

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David previously worked as an attorney at Beck Redden LLP, Hogan Dubose and Townsend LLP, and as a court attorney for the Fourteenth Court.

David Gunn is currently a judge for Place 4 of the Texas First District Court of Appeals. He was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott on September 3, 2024, succeeding April Farris, and his current term runs through December 31, 2026. He previously served as a member of the Hilshire Village City Council from 2012 to 2019.

David Gunn - Ballotpedia

David currently serves as a judge for the Texas First District Court of Appeals. He was first appointed in 2024, and is serving his first term. David previously served two terms as a Hilshire Village City Council member from 2012 to 2019.

As a partner at Beck Redden LLP, Gunn is involved in legal practice at a Houston law firm.

Has worked as an attorney for over 35 years, presenting oral arguments before the Texas Supreme Court, Texas Courts of Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Is board-certified in civil appellate law.

- Has worked as an attorney for over 35 years, presenting oral arguments before the Texas Supreme Court, Texas Courts of Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
- Is board-certified in civil appellate law.

Legal Experience

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

Judicial Administration

Said his "judicial philosophy is founded on a commitment to interpret the law faithfully and impartially, with a deep respect for the letter and spirit of the constitution."

- Said his "judicial philosophy is founded on a commitment to interpret the law faithfully and impartially, with a deep respect for the letter and spirit of the constitution."

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Serves as a fellow in the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and on the pattern jury charge committee for the State Bar of Texas.

- Serves as a fellow in the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and on the pattern jury charge committee for the State Bar of Texas.

Community Involvement

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David Gunn

David previously worked as an attorney at Beck Redden LLP, Hogan Dubose and Townsend LLB, and as a court attorney for the Fourteenth Court.

Beck Redden Partner David M. Gunn to Join First Court of Appeals

Governor Abbott Appoints Gunn To First Court Of Appeals | Office of ...

David Gunn is from Austin, Texas, and grew up in Houston. He has a bachelor 27s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Texas, a master 27s degree in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a law degree from Baylor University Law School, and a master of laws from the University of Houston Law Center. He lives in Houston.

David is an appellate lawyer. He previously worked at Beck Redden LLP.

David is currently a judge for Place 4 of the Texas First District Court of Appeals. He was first appointed to the court in September 2024. Before his appointment, he practiced appellate law for more than two decades. David also served on the city council of Hilshire Village from 2012 to 2019.

- 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.