James Horwitz attended the University of Houston for both his undergraduate and graduate education, going on to earn his J. D. there in 1977. He and his wife, Deborah, have two sons.

James Horwitz - Ballotpedia

TLCQ 2018: James Horwitz | Texas Leftist

James Horwitz has a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of Houston. He has a wife and two sons. 

James is a judge for Harris County Probate Court No. 4 in Texas. He has been in this position since January 1, 2019. Before taking the bench, he founded the Law Offices of James S. Horwitz, P.C., where he worked as an attorney. 

James is an attorney and founder of his own law offices, the Law Offices of James S. Horwitz, P. C.

James is currently a judge of the Harris County Probate Court No. 4. He was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. He previously ran for this same court in 2014 and for the Houston City Council in 2013 but did not win.

James is currently a judge of the Harris County Probate Court No. 4. He was first elected in 2018 and is serving his second term. He previously ran for this same court in 2014 and for the Houston City Council in 2013 but did not win.

As a probate court judge, administers the wills and estates of deceased persons, appoints guardians to incapacitated adults and minors, commits individuals for involuntary treatment of addiction to drugs or alcohol and mental illness, issues marriage licenses, and oversees certain cases dealing with criminal conduct.

As a legal attorney at Law Offices of James S. Horwitz, P. C., researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, practicing in nearly every type of law.

- As a probate court judge, administers the wills and estates of deceased persons, appoints guardians to incapacitated adults and minors, commits individuals for involuntary treatment of addiction to drugs or alcohol and mental illness, issues marriage licenses, and oversees certain cases dealing with criminal conduct.
- As a legal attorney at Law Offices of James S. Horwitz, P. C., researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, practicing in nearly every type of law.

Legal Experience

Supports more pre-trial mediations in probate court to resolve family disputes and expedite cases.

Supports more pre-trial mediations in probate court to resolve family disputes and shorten cases.

Allows the virtual and hybrid options for specific individuals with court matters.

- Supports more pre-trial mediations in probate court to resolve family disputes and shorten cases.
- Allows the virtual and hybrid options for specific individuals with court matters.

Judicial Administration

Candidate website

Believes judicial decisions should be based on both law and equity, saying, "Adjudication of the black-letter law is only one component of the job. Doing what is right is another."

Believes judicial decisions should be based on both law and equity.

Believes in adjusting to changes or developments in the law to be able to openly and fairly interpret it.

- Believes judicial decisions should be based on both law and equity.
- Believes in adjusting to changes or developments in the law to be able to openly and fairly interpret it.

Judicial Philosophy

As of January 22, 2026, James S. Horwitz’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Wants to expand community outreach by educating the public on wills, estates, trusts, and guardianships.

Believes in expanding community outreach by educating the public on wills, estates, trusts, guardianship, and probate court functions. 

- Believes in expanding community outreach by educating the public on wills, estates, trusts, guardianship, and probate court functions. 

Community Involvement

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James S. Horwitz

Find A Lawyer | James S. Horwitz - State Bar of Texas

- Texas county probate judges handle all cases in probate, including estate administration, wills, guardianships, and incapacitation cases.
- There are a total of 24 probate judges across 12 counties within the state.
- They are paid an annual salary between $158,000 and $193,400.