Judge Leonel Alejandro serves in the 357th District Court in Cameron County, Texas.
Judge Leonel Alejandro

1. What is the best part of being a judge?

The best part of being a judge is that, as a judge, it is your duty and responsibility to be fair and impartial and see that justice is done. This not only allows you the opportunity to earn and maintain the trust of the community, but also sets a good example to the legal profession. One of the most rewarding parts of being a judge is to preside over an adoption hearing. In an adoption hearing you have someone that is willing and eager to accept the tremendous responsibility of being a parent and to make that possible for someone is very rewarding.

2. What is the hardest or least enjoyable aspect of being a judge?

The most difficult aspect of being a judge is dealing with child custody cases. It is always difficult to see children testify in a custody case because you know that they are being torn apart by their parents. Unfortunately, many parents going through a divorce are so emotionally involved that often they forget that the children love both parents and that the children are the ones that become the victims of their parent’s actions.

3. Prior to taking the bench, you had a very successful civil practice and were highly regarded as one of the top mediators in the area. Have you been able to translate what you learned from your many years as a mediator and implement those experiences into your role as a judge?

Mediation requires good listening skills, good communication skills, a good understanding of the law, and the ability to earn the respect and trust of the parties participating in the mediation. As a mediator, I had the privilege of mediating hundreds of cases involving all types of causes of action, thus giving me a good understanding of a variety of issues. I have always told the parties in mediation, that the mediator is like a one person jury because he is the first person, other than the parties, to hear the facts of the case, the law, and to evaluate the credibility of the parties. The skills and experience that I gained as a mediator have helped to facilitate the disposition of cases. As a judge I require that all civil cases be mediated before they go to trial. As a result, the vast majority of our civil cases settle.

4. Your court handles mostly criminal matters while many young attorneys seem to be drawn to civil law because it seems a little more glamorous. What do you see as the benefits/detriments of practicing criminal law?

The primary benefit of practicing criminal law for a young lawyer is the courtroom exposure. Young lawyers practicing criminal law have the advantage of gaining valuable experience in all aspects of the trial process very early in their careers. This is particularly true for young lawyers that work in a district attorney’s office because of the volume of cases that go to trial during the course of a year. This courtroom exposure allows young lawyers to feel comfortable in the courtroom and in front of a jury. The primary detriment of practicing criminal law is the lack of exposure to written discovery and depositions, which I believe are essential in assisting lawyers in case preparation and case evaluation.
Young lawyers practicing civil law are first exposed to the discovery process before any active participation in the courtroom. This is particularly true for young lawyers that begin practicing law with a large firm. Often these lawyers take years before they actually try a case. I understand that in some jurisdictions large firms are assigning their associates to work with district attorney offices so they can gain trial experience. The benefit to practicing civil law is that it allows young lawyers the opportunity to work on a variety of cases.

5. You have both new and very seasoned lawyers practicing in your court. Do young attorneys these days practice law differently than the lawyers who may have been practicing for 15 or 20 years?

I find that young attorneys are more computer literate. It is not uncommon to see young lawyers use their laptops at a hearing or during the course of trial. Young lawyers also seem to be more aggressive and less accommodating resulting in more intervention by the court. On the contrary, the more experienced lawyers are not as computer literate and are more relaxed and less disruptive during the course of a trial.

6. What trends have you observed in the way law is practiced during your time as a judge?

The most significant trend that I have observed is the use of technology in the courtroom. Approximately one year ago, I had a very complex civil trial involving several parties. Each party had their own computer technician to assist in the presentation of evidence during the course of the trial. The use of technology made it possible to try the case in four weeks as opposed to six to eight weeks. Whether technology is used during opening statements or during the presentation of evidence or in closing arguments, it can a have tremendous impact on the jury, especially in a long trial.

7. What skills are young lawyers failing to develop in law school?

I believe young lawyers should be trained on the use of effective people skills. By this I mean learning how to interact and communicate effectively with fellow lawyers, laypersons, clients and jurors. This type of training would help young lawyers not only to become more effective advocates but also would help minimize the number of grievances filed due to not effectively communicating with their clients.

8. What is the craziest/funniest thing that has ever happened in your courtroom?

The craziest thing that has happened in my courtroom occurred during voir dire in a criminal case. The defendant was charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child. During voir dire the prosecutor asked the panel “Does anyone on the jury panel feel that it’s ok to have sex with a minor? If you do, please raise your hand.” The defendant raised his hand!

9. What are your feelings with regard to lawyers/judges playing a leading role in the community and in charitable organizations?

I feel that judges should set the example, not only for the legal profession but to the community as a whole, to get involved in activities that benefit the community. Judges are perceived as role models and their involvement in the community not only benefits the community but also encourages lawyers and others to get involved.

10. In your experience, what is the single most important factor in making someone a “great” lawyer?

Being a great lawyer encompasses many factors such as, knowing the law, knowing the facts, understanding the strengths and weakness of the case, being an effective communicator, and presenting the case in a professional manner. However, one of the most important factors of a great lawyer is to be humble and understand that his/her responsibility is to do what’s best for the client and not what is best for him/her.

11. What words of wisdom from the bench would you like to share with our members?

Always remember that you did not create the facts involved in your case and that you are not always going to win. Be honest with your clients in evaluating their cases so they can have realistic expectations. Before you make a court appearance, become familiar with the local rules. When appearing in court be prepared to make brief and concise arguments with proper authority, and be courteous and respectful to the court and to opposing counsel.

12. How do you think we as lawyers can change the public’s perception of lawyers?

Unfortunately, the public’s perception of lawyers is somewhat tainted due to the conduct of a few in the profession. The best way to change this perception is for lawyers to get involved in activities that benefit the community. For example, organizing and participating in legal clinics for the poor, getting involved with school systems by participating in career days, joining charitable organizations, etc. If lawyers get involved the public will not only appreciate the benefit, but will also recognize that lawyers are willing to give back to the community.