08/24/2026
Welcome to Episode 9 of the Texas Lawyer Podcast, hosted by Cheryl McGirr. In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Judge Terence Davis, the Presiding Judge of the 480th Judicial District Court of Texas in Williamson County. Judge Davis shares his personal and professional journey through the legal landscape, offering candid reflections on transitioning from private practice to the bench.
Early Inspiration and Finding the Path
Judge Davis discusses how his interest in the legal profession was originally sparked by watching his father practice law. Seeing his father’s dedication, late-night case reading, and genuine commitment to helping clients left a lasting impression. Although he initially pursued accounting for nearly two years at the University of Texas at Austin, he quickly realized it was not his calling. Pivoting back toward his true interest, he completed a degree in criminal justice at Texas State University. After taking a year off following the birth of his oldest daughter in 1996, Judge Davis enrolled at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio in 1997.
Law School Experience & Private Practice
Reflecting on his time at St. Mary's Law School, Judge Davis highlights winning the first-year moot court competition and gaining hands-on client representation through the school's family law clinic during his third year. After graduating, he began his career at a defense firm, where he gained valuable trial-preparation experience working on large-scale product liability and tire litigation.
In 2002, he moved to Leander, Texas, to join his father's solo practice. Over time, he built a personal injury practice and eventually shifted heavily into family law—a field he particularly enjoyed because of the high volume of depositions, frequent courtroom appearances, and steady client engagement. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Davis also practiced alongside his cousin and successfully ran his own law firm.
The Path to the Bench & Judicial Insights
After previously running for a judicial seat nearly ten years prior and stepping back to refocus on his family and practice, an opportunity arose to interview with the Texas Governor's Office. Judge Davis was subsequently appointed as the Presiding Judge of the 480th Judicial District Court in Williamson County.
Approaching two years on the bench, Judge Davis shares key lessons learned from his position:
- Developing Judicial Patience: Transitioning from an advocate to a judge required learning patience, asking fewer direct questions from the bench, and focusing strictly on calling "balls and strikes" while allowing attorneys to present their cases.
- Courtroom Operations: Loving jury trials, valuing close collaboration with court staff and judicial colleagues, and testing efficient administrative policies to improve court operations.
Advice for Aspiring Attorneys
For college students or recent graduates considering law school, Judge Davis recommends shadowing practicing attorneys across various practice areas (both transactional and litigation) for several full days. Gaining first-hand exposure to the daily realities of reviewing contracts, managing client expectations, and handling discovery provides critical clarity before making the financial and time investment in a legal education.
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