Lee Kathryn Shuchart

What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?

I began my practice in commercial litigation and personal injury law, trying cases across Texas. I became involved in medical malpractice litigation and then spent 16 years working with physicians, hospitals, carriers, and healthcare practices overseeing their litigation in 40 states. I returned to litigation practice and have been actively trying cases again. I have learned from my wide experience the role an effective judge and I am dedicated to making this court work effectively.

What will you do to promote the just, prompt, and affordable resolution of civil cases that come before your court?

If I am elected, cases will be tried in my court continually. It is essential that a judge be consistently and actively involved in trying cases rather than re-setting them over and over which increases costs for the parties and creates cynicism about the effectiveness of our system. If the parties know there's a real chance that a case will be tried, they will do more to prepare cases. In addition, hearings must be conducted on a timely basis to ensure that the parties can get issues resolve

What will you do to ensure that cases before your court are heard in a timely manner?

First, by addressing the cases on the docket filed before 2020 and ensuring that they are tried or dismissed. Second by conducting status conferences with cases filed in 2020 and 2021 to set dates certain when they will be assigned to trial. Third by setting aside weekly dates for hearings on dispositive motions. Fourth, by timely addressing agreed or unopposed motions.