“It is truly an honor to serve the people of Texas on the First Court of Appeals. I am proud to ensure every Texan is treated equally in our courtroom and to uphold the Constitution.”

– Justice April Farris

“It is truly an honor to serve the people of Texas on the First Court of Appeals. I am proud to ensure every Texan is treated equally in our courtroom and to uphold the Constitution.”

– Justice April Farris

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About Justice April Farris

April Farris was appointed to the First Court of Appeals by Governor Abbott for a term beginning January 2021.

Before joining the Court, April was a partner at Yetter Coleman LLP where she handled complex appellate litigation for energy, technology, and government clients. In 2020, she was one of five lawyers in the nation to be named a Law360 Rising Star in appellate litigation, an honor reserved for attorneys under 40. She has also been recognized in appellate law by Best Lawyers in America, and Thompson Reuters’ Super Lawyers.

April previously served as an Assistant Solicitor General for the State of Texas, where she handled appeals for various Texas agencies. She recently completed a three-year term on the Council of the Texas State Bar Appellate Section, and she currently co-chairs its CLE Committee. April is a life fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, and she is a member of the Houston Bar Association. She previously served as the president of the Federalist Society’s Houston Lawyers Chapter.

April clerked for Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. She graduated from Harvard Law School cum laude in 2009, and she earned her bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Abilene Christian University in 2006.

April is married to Ben Farris, and they have two children.

My Judicial Philosophy

At the end of 2020, Governor Abbott asked me to serve my fellow Texans and our great state as a Justice on the First Court of Appeals. I was honored to accept and am humbled to take my place on the bench in our remarkable justice system.

I hope to earn your support as a fair, consistent judge who works to uphold the rule of law and refuses to legislate from the bench. I am proud to serve you, and I am committed to ensuring that justice is fairly and impartially given to all.

Latest News

Houston Bar Association Interview with Justice Farris

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Governor Appoints April Farris to First Court of Appeals

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Governor Greg Abbott has made appointments to both Houston Courts of Appeals. For the Fourteenth Court of Appeals, the Governor named former Harris County District Judge Randy Wilson to fill…

Appellate Partner April Farris Appointed to First Court of Appeals

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Yetter Coleman appellate partner April Farris has been appointed by Governor Greg Abbott as a new Justice of the First Court of Appeals effective on January 1, 2021 for a…

Governor Greg Abbott Appoints April Farris to First Court of Appeals

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Governor Greg Abbott has appointed April Farris to the First Court of Appeals, effective January 1, 2021, for a term set to expire on December 31, 2022, or until her…
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