Trump Nominates Austin Attorney to Federal Bench

President Donald Trump has nominated Austin attorney David S. Morales to become a U.S. district court judge in the Southern District of Texas, according to the Austin American Statesman.

The Southern District, which is based in Houston, Texas, has seven courthouses in cities incuding Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, Brownsville and Victoria. Morales, who’d serve in Corpus Christi, is a part of a law firm called Kelly Hart & Hallman. His work focuses on litigation, administrative law, as well as public and higher education law.

Prior to joining the private practice, Morales was deputy general counsel to the University of Texas System Board of Regents and worked as general counsel to former Gov. Rick Perry.

Lawyers at Kelly Hart & Hallman were pleased to hear the news they announced in a statement:

“All of us at Kelly Hart are very supportive of the President’s nomination of our partner, David S. Morales, to serve as a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Texas. David’s extensive litigation background, his ability to manage both attorneys and substantial litigation dockets, and his calm courtroom demeanor will be a perfect match for the district bench. David’s abilities have served Kelly Hart’s clients well, and we wish him the best as he returns to public service.”

Morales earned a bachelors degree from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas and a law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas.