Derek Obialo is from Mbano, Nigeria. He has a bachelor's degree from Imo State University, a master's degree from Houston Christian University, and a law degree from the University of Miami. 

Texas intermediate appellate court elections, 2024 - Ballotpedia

Associate Judge Derek Obialo | Fort Bend County

Derek is an associate judge for the 240th District Court in Texas. He previously maintained a legal practice for 17 years, primarily focusing on construction law and business litigation. Before attending law school, he worked in construction claims consulting. 

Derek is an associate judge for the 240th District Court in Texas. He previously maintained a legal practice for 17 years. Before his law career, he worked in construction claims consulting. 

Derek is currently an associate judge of the 240th District Court. He was appointed in 2025. He previously ran for Place 4 judge of the Texas Fourteenth District Court of Appeals in 2024 but did not win.

Derek previously ran for the Texas Fourteenth District Court of Appeals in 2024 and the Texas 400th District Court in 2020 but did not win. 

Law Office

As the owner of the Law Office of Derek U. Obialo since 2007, specializes in representing construction industry workers and business in legal disputes.

- As the owner of the Law Office of Derek U. Obialo since 2007, specializes in representing construction industry workers and business in legal disputes.

Legal Experience

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

Judicial Administration

For Candidate Derek Obialo on Issue judicial-philosophy: Believes that having empathy is the most desired quality in a public office holder.

Believes empathy is "the most quality desired in a public office holder."

- Believes empathy is "the most quality desired in a public office holder."

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Derek Obialo

Upholds the utmost integrity in all situations.

Advocates for fairness in justice, stating it is essential that justice be fair to people in all situations.

- 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.