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Lela Lawrence Mays earned a law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She is a mother of two and a member of her local church.

Lela is a judge for the 283rd District Court in Dallas. She has been on the bench for over 20 years. She previously worked as a judge for the Intensive Intervention Program (I.I.P.) Court from 2007 to 2009 and began her work in specialty courts in Dallas's DIVERT court in 2002. 

Pro Bono Spotlight – Judge Lela Lawrence Mays

Lela previously worked as a judge for the Intensive Intervention Program Court and began her specialty court work in Dallas's DIVERT court.

Lela is currently a judge of the Texas 283rd District Court. She was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. 

Lela Mays - Ballotpedia

Dallas judge thankful to be alive after fiery crash involving 18-wheeler

As a state district criminal court judge since 2018, she oversees all felony cases and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As a judge, established the Successful Treatment of Addiction through Collaboration court to assist probationers in transitioning back into their communities without drugs and alcohol.

Established the Successful Treatment of Addiction through Collaboration court to assist probationers in transitioning back into their communities without drugs and alcohol.

- As a state district criminal court judge since 2018, she oversees all felony cases and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- Established the Successful Treatment of Addiction through Collaboration court to assist probationers in transitioning back into their communities without drugs and alcohol.

Legal Experience

As of January 22, 2026, Lela Lawrence Mays’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

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Supports addressing homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues.

Claims that public safety is always her principal concern, but also believes that rehabilitation is possible in some instances.

Promises to always follow the law and determine based on the facts the most appropriate action to take.

- Supports addressing homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues.
- Claims that public safety is always her principal concern, but also believes that rehabilitation is possible in some instances.
- Promises to always follow the law and determine based on the facts the most appropriate action to take.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Lela Lawrence Mays

Said, "I have realized that some individuals, who are appropriate, should be required to participate in treatment for drug, alcohol addiction and mental illness."

Supports community involvement through church membership and participation in the "Corrections Ministry," which helps individuals with criminal justice system contact access resources and support.

As a partner of Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, helped establish ID Impact Texas, which helps individuals clear up tickets and obtain identification and driver's licenses free from barriers and suspensions.

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- District judges manage Texas district courts, which are trial courts with general jurisdiction, and have exclusive authority over felony cases. A judge may be presiding over a civil, criminal, juvenile, or special court. They also share jurisdiction with Texas county courts.
- Texas has over 470 district courts, each presided over by a single judge. Some courts cover multiple counties, while others are assigned to single counties based on population size.
- District judges are elected through partisan elections for four-year terms. Candidates must be between 25 and 75 years old, have lived in the district for at least 2 years, and be licensed lawyers with at least 4 years' experience.
- The annual salary for district judges ranges from $175,000 to $245,500, depending on years of service.