Hon. Harriet O'Neill

Chair Emeritus; Justice (ret.), Supreme Court of Texas

The Honorable Harriet O'Neill retired from the Texas Supreme Court in 2010 after almost 12 years of service. Justice O'Neill spearheaded the creation of the Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families and served as its first Chair from 2007 to 2010. She began her judicial career in 1992 when she was elected to the 152nd District Court in Houston. In 1995, Governor George W. Bush appointed her to the 14th Court of Appeals, and she won election to that seat in 1996.

Before assuming the bench, she had practiced law for 10 years, primarily complex business and commercial litigation. Justice O'Neill is a frequent author and speaker and has received numerous awards and honors, including being named the Appellate Justice of the Year in 2002, and again in 2006, by the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists.