On Monday, Governor Greg Abbott appointed criminal defense attorney Dan Simons as the judge of the 496th Judicial District Court in Harris County. Simons will serve in the role until the end of December 2026, or until a successor is elected and qualified.
With a background that spans from public service as a former assistant district attorney for Harris County to private practice as the owner of his own law firm, Simons's legal career covers a broad spectrum of the judicial system. According to the announcement from the Governor's office, Simons has also lent his expertise to the Thiessen Law Firm, further solidifying his legal acumen.
Simons' credentials extend beyond his professional experience. An honorable discharge veteran of the United States Air Force, he holds a Bachelor of Business from Sam Houston State University, coupled with a Juris Doctor from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law. His appointment follows a well-established path of public service and legal involvement, with membership in both the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association noted in his portfolio, as detailed by the Governor's office.
