Governor Greg Abbott on Sep 19th, swore in the newly appointed judges to the Texas Business Courts in Fort Worth. Created last year, each Business Court Division will provide an efficient mechanism for business to resolve complex commercial disputes in Texas.

“Last year, I worked with the Texas Legislature to pass a law creating the first-ever Texas business courts, along with a centralized court of appeals, to resolve public law disputes and constitutional challenges that impact Texas businesses across our state,” said Governor Abbott. “On Sep 19th, I am proud to swear in the first judges to the Texas business courts. These experienced individuals will serve to ensure that Texas businesses will have a sophisticated and efficient process to resolve their disputes. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these courts will provide for a bigger, better Texas for generations to come.”

The Governor swore in:

Andrea Bouressa and William “Bill” Whitehill to the First Business Court Division in Dallas,

Melissa Andrews and Patrick K. Sweeten to the Third Business Court Division in Austin,

Marialyn Barnard and Stacy Sharp to the Fourth Business Court Division in San Antonio, 

Jerry Bullard and Brian Stagner to the Eighth Business Court Division in Fort Worth, and 

Sofia Adrogué and Grant Dorfman to the Eleventh Business Court Division in Houston.

Governor Abbott was joined by Texas Supreme Court Justice Jeff Boyd and Justice Evan Young, Senator Phil King, Representative Davis Cook, Representative Jeff Leach, Representative Andrew Murr, County Judge Tim O’Hare, and Mayor Mattie Parker.

Last year, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 19 into law creating new statewide specialty business courts to streamline resolutions of business disputes.