Judge Devan Dawson – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

by Madison Thurkettle

Ever wondered what it’s like to serve as a judge in your own community? The SHSU Pre-Law Society had the chance to find out firsthand during a moderated Q&A with Judge Devan Dawson, Municipal Judge for the City of Huntsville, and Judge Kim Webb, Justice of the Peace for San Jacinto County, Precinct 4.

From balancing private practice with public service to campaigning for elected office, both judges offered honest insight into the realities of serving at the local level and the unique paths that brought them to the bench.

Judge Devan Dawson, a Baylor Law alumna, shared how her path to law began unexpectedly. Originally an English major planning to teach, a family connection introduced her to the legal field, and she never looked back. Today, she divides her time between her private practice and her duties as a municipal judge, where she handles fine-only misdemeanors and civil cases. Her advice to aspiring law students was simple yet meaningful: “You can help people in countless ways, even something as small as a traffic ticket.”

Judge Kim Webb offered a different but equally inspiring journey. A graduate of Sam Houston State University and the University of Houston, she began her career in law enforcement and worked her way up to captain before pursuing public administration, and eventually, the bench. As a Justice of the Peace, she oversees fine-only misdemeanors, civil cases up to $20,000, inquests, and evictions. Judge Webb emphasized how women bring valuable communication and empathy skills to both law enforcement and the judiciary, qualities that strengthen fairness and trust within the community.

Above all, both judges reminded us that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done, and that every person should leave their courtroom knowing they were treated fairly.

The students were inspired by their humility, perseverance, and commitment to public service. It was a reminder that pursuing law is not just about cases and codes, but about people, integrity, and making justice visible in every community we serve.

With that renewed sense of purpose, our Pre-Law Society turned their attention to organizational business.

and to the big issue of the night: elections. Ten candidates, both new and returning, presented thoughtful speeches about the positive changes they hoped to bring to the organization.

We are proud to introduce of our newly elected PLS Officers: VP of Marketing, Jackeline Balbuena;

VP of Finance/Treasurer, Nataly Elizondo;

…and Secretary, Madison Cawthon.

Congratulations to our new officers, and PLS is ready to make this an incredible year.

While the LEAP Center’s project-based internships are robust by themselves, they are supplemented with opportunities for professional development. One such opportunity occurred last week at the Huntsville Municipal Court, with guidance from Court Clerk Flor Borbor, Officer Eric Scott, Prosecutor Cody Corcoran, and Judge Devan Dawson.

To learn more about our Court system, the City Fellows–along with former LEAP President and current SHSU attorney Victoria McClendon-Leggett–journeyed to the Municipal Court building in Huntsville. With Flor Borbor facilitating the tour and Judge Dawson leading the discussion, we began by covering the basics:

The Municipal Court Judge is hired/appointed by Council, not elected;
The Municipal Court hears Class C Misdemeanors;
The Municipal Court hears Jury and Bench Trials;
Bench Trials involve six jurors.

Cody Corcoran was also on hand to discuss his approach to prosecutions, which mostly involved finding ways to work with the accused. He and Judge Dawson appeared to agree that while justice should be served, they both sought ways to achieve justice without major setbacks for the alleged wrongdoer. There was even more agreement, however–among the Judge, Clerk, Prosecutor, and Officer–that lying or being rude would lead to a harsher sentence.

The students were impressively engaged, bringing up good points, asking interesting questions, and remaining involved even when the men began arguing about who had caught the bigger fish.

Officer Scott also discussed his career in law-enforcement in general, while particularizing on his duties as a bailiff. With good humor and a disarming self-deprecation, he described his job as “secretary with a gun,” highlighting his tendency–and, in fact, all the officials in the Municipal Court–to pitch in where needed.

It was a good lesson for young people, especially this group of mostly Criminal Justice majors, many of whom are deciding between careers in law-enforcement and the legal field. The lessons of courtesy, professionalism, and pitching in are valuable across all disciplines and occupations.

Following views of the jury room, the business office, and a formal group photo, the tour came to a close. And while the tour only lasted a little more than an hour and a half, the perspectives they gained may last a lifetime.

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Tag: Judge Devan Dawson

From the Bench to the Classroom: Lessons and Knowledge with Judge Devan Dawson and Judge Kim Webb

Lessons from the Bench: A Day at Huntsville Municipal Court