Hon. Elaine H. Palmer

Judge Elaine H. Palmer is a native Houstonian, born in the Third Ward. She was elected as the Judge of the 215th Civil District Court of Harris County in November 2012 and re-elected in 2016. Prior to her judicial career, she practiced law in state and federal courts, including the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. She was also an Adjunct Professor at Westwood College’s Paralegal Program. In January 2024, she became the first African American woman to serve as the Civil Division Administrative Judge for the Harris County State District Courts.

Experience:
- Judge, 215th Civil District Court of Harris County, elected November 2012 and re-elected in 2016.n- Civil Division Administrative Judge, Harris County State District Courts, effective January 1, 2024.n- Private Practice Attorney.n- Adjunct Professor, Westwood College’s Paralegal Program.

Education:
- M. B. Lamar High School.n- University of Houston-Downtown.n- Texas A&M School of Law.

Professional Affiliations:
- State Bar of Texas.n- American Bar Association.n- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.n- Trinity United Methodist Church.