Tonya Parker
Candidate for Judge
116th Civil District Court
Dallas County
WAYS TO HELP TODAY
LATEST NEWS:
ELECTION DATES & LOCATIONS:
General Election - November 2, 2010
Early Voting - Oct. 19-29, 2010
For Early Voting and Election Day locations, visit: Dallas County Elections
Tonya Parker recommended by The Dallas Morning News
Excerpts from the editorial Wednesday, Sept. 8:
"The 116th Civil District Court in Dallas County is badly in need of solid, ethical new leadership...voters should choose Tonya Parker, an impressive lawyer with diverse legal experience and a bright future as a leader."
"Parker, 39, has worked on both sides of the civil courts, representing both Davids and Goliaths...she has been a partner in both a large, minority-owned firm and a smaller boutique practice. Her résumé embodies the belief that courts belong to the people, not the lawyers. She speaks passionately about her view of civil courts as the protectors of our most basic freedoms."
"She presents herself as stern, organized and, well, judicious. We have no doubt that she would run a tight ship and improve a backlogged docket badly in need of new management."
"We give the edge to Parker for the more diverse work experience and potential for stronger leadership."
Dear Dallas County Voters,
Thank you for taking a moment to visit my campaign website. I am running to become the next judge of the 116th Civil District Court, which handles a wide variety of civil matters such as personal injury cases and commercial disputes.
I made the decision to run because I believe I have the proper skills, qualifications, personal temperament and commitment to service required to be a fair and hardworking jurist.
I have long considered the idea of running for judge, and throughout my career I have deliberately sought professional challenges that would give me a broad perspective on the law that is required of a judge.
I am proud to have prosecuted and defended a wide range of civil matters including personal injury, business and employment litigation. My clients have run the gamut from individuals with catastrophic injuries to small businesses to Fortune 1000 companies.
I have earned the respect of my peers and have been recognized as a Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Outstanding Young Lawyer and as a Super Lawyer Rising Star. I have also served as a director for both the Dallas Bar Association and the J. L. Turner Legal Association, as well as other boards and organizations.
Without question, over my career I have gained a solid knowledge of the law and courtroom procedures. My perspective is balanced and molded by the tremendous respect I have for the professionals who keep our justice system working every day.
I ask for your support as I seek to apply my experience and qualifications as your public servant. Please read more about me here and get involved in the campaign.
I look forward to serving you.
Sincerely,
Tonya Parker
Candidate for Judge
116th Civil District Court, Dallas County
MORE ABOUT TONYA PARKER
SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Over 10 years experience serving as lead attorney in all aspects of litigation. Extensive courtroom experience, including bench and jury trials in state and federal courts representing individuals, small businesses, and Fortune 1000 corporations, as plaintiffs and defendants, in a variety of litigation matters, including tort and business litigation. Court-appointed guardian ad litem in federal and state court tort litigation matters involving minors and incapacitated adults.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Gruber Hurst Johansen Hail, LLP (Sept. 2007 to present) - Partner in commercial litigation section representing corporations in the prosecution and defense of federal and state court matters involving contract disputes, business torts, and claims related to intellectual property rights.
Adorno Yoss White & Wiggins, LLP (Aug. 1998 to Aug. 2007) - Elected partner in October 2004. Practiced in federal and state courts throughout Texas representing Fortune 1000 corporations, small businesses, and individuals.
HONORS & AWARDS
Texas Monthly Magazine Texas Rising Star (2010, 2009, 2008, 2006)
Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Outstanding Mentor Award (2010)
J.L. Turner Legal Association President's Award (2007, 2004, 2003)
Eclipse Magazine Dynamic Lawyer Award (2007)
Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Outstanding Young Lawyer (2006)
American Marshall Memorial Fellowship Recipient (2005)
Eclipse Magazine Top 40 Professionals Under 40 (2005)
Dallas Bar Association Award of Excellence (2004)
Dallas Bar Association Outstanding Minority Bar Leader Award (2002)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Dallas Bar Association - Elected to Board of Directors (2006-2007), Mentor in Transition to Law Program (2010, 2008), Fellow of the Dallas Bar Foundation (2006 to present), Law Day Committee (2001-2007, Co-Chair 2004), Brown v. Board 50th Anniversary Commemoration Committee (2004)
Dallas Association of Young Lawyers - Life Fellow of the DAYL Foundation (2006 to present), Mentor in Mentor Match Program (2007-2010), Co-Chair of the Lawyers Promoting Diversity Committee (2005-2006)
J.L. Turner Legal Association - Member (1999 to present), Mentor in the Law Student Mentor Program (2000-2007), JLTLA Foundation Board of Directors (2006), JLTLA Board of Directors (2004-2005), Co-Chair of the JLTLA Community Outreach Committee (2003-2004)
Barrister, Patrick E. Higginbotham Chapter of American Inns of Court (2005-2008)
Volunteer, Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program (2003 to present)
National Bar Association (2008 to present)
American Bar Association (2007 to present)
Lambda Legal (2006 to present)
EDUCATION
Law Degree, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law (1998) - Order of the Barristers (recognized as one of top 10 advocates in graduating class), John E. Kennedy Memorial Scholarship (awarded to graduating 3L for service to law school community), Champion, Vial Hamilton Koch Knox Mock Trial Competition (1998), Best Oral Advocate Award, Vial Hamilton Koch Knox Mock Trial Competition (1998), National & Regional Champion, Frederick Douglas Moot Court Competition (1997).
B.A. Degree, Communication & Public Address, University of North Texas (1994)
LICENSE AND ADMISSIONS
Licensed to practice in all Texas state courts
U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit
PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
"Voir Dire Demonstration" presented at the J.L. Turner Legal Association Trial Advocacy Series (2010)
"Employment Torts Update" presented at UH Advanced Employment Law Seminar (2009)
"Inclusion: The Older and Better Looking Sister of Diversity" ethics CLE presented to North Texas Paralegal Association (2008)
"Professionalism in the Courtroom" ethics CLE presented to Dallas Bar Association (2008)
"Texas Insurance Law Update and Proposed Legislation" presented to Liberty Mutual's Legal Services and Claims Department (2007)
"Sticks and Stones Can Break Your Bones But Words May Get You Sued: Business Defamation and Disparagement Claims" presented at Woman that Soar Small Business Luncheon (2003)
"Public Construction Contracts in Texas" presented at DFW Airport's 10th Annual Small Contractors Development Workshop (2002, with H. Ron White)
"What Your Employees Know Can Hurt You: Use A Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure Agreement to Protect Trade Secrets" Dallas Business Journal (2001)
"What Your Employees Know Can Hurt You" www.Law.com Intellectual Property Law Practice Center (2001)
"The Franchise Enterprise: Investigate Before You Invest" Minority Opportunity News (2000)
"All Rise!: Reflections on My First Jury Trial" The Dicta (2000)
"Student-Athlete Sexual Violence Against Women: Defining the Limits of Institutional Responsibility" Washington & Lee Law Review (1988, with Timothy Davis)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
City of Dallas Community Development Commission, District 11 Commissioner (2007-2009)
Dallas Arts District Alliance Board of Directors (Chair 2009, Member 2007 to 2009)
Dallas Symphony Orchestra African American Festival Committee Chair (2009) and member (2010)
University of North Texas Alumni Association (2008 to present)
Stonewall Democrats of Dallas (Member)
Southwest Dallas County Democrats (Member)
North Dallas Texas Democratic Women (Member)
Dallas County East Democrats (Member)
Human Rights Campaign (DFW Club Member)
PHOTOS FROM TONYA PARKER'S CAMPAIGN KICKOFF - JULY 2009
Tonya Parker addresses the crowd at her July 2009 campaign launch party.
Tonya Parker with former State District Judge H. Ron White; Hon. Robert Medrano and Armando Cruz.
Dawn Estes and Rudy Rodriguez; Harry Martin and Amy Davis.
Tonya Parker with Thomas and Jamie Seaberry; Tonya with Marcos Ronquillo and Kevin Buchanan.
Campaign Treasurer Richard A. Sayles, Dallas County Clerk John Warren, Tonya Parker and State Senator Royce West.