Judge Jeff Shadwick possesses vast experience in commercial and bankruptcy litigation— and from both sides of the bench. Following his graduation from Baylor Law School, he began his legal career in 1981 in Wichita, Kansas where he focused his practice in the oil and gas industry. After a 1986 move to Texas, Judge Shadwick joined the Houston office of Winstead, McGuire, Sechrest & Minick where he was made a shareholder, and later was board certified in business bankruptcy and a member of the Chapter 7 panel of trustees.

In 2007, (former) Governor Perry appointed him as Judge of the 55th District Court in Houston. Following that service to the bench, Judge Shadwick briefly returned to private practice at Andrews Myers & Coulter until his election to the district court in 2010 and 2014 to four year terms.

Service on the bench brought Judge Shadwick into contact with every conceivable type of civil litigation from multi-million dollar corporate disputes and medical malpractice to common auto accidents and tax disputes.  He presided over a docket of approximately 1700 cases at any given time.  Managing a docket of this size required diligence and hard work.  Litigants in Judge Shadwick’s court learned that he was always prepared, always read everything in advance, and ruled promptly and fairly.  For each of his nine years on the bench he was among the leaders in the Harris County courthouse in the number of bench and jury trials conducted.

During his time on the bench, Judge Shadwick strived to be the type of judge he wanted to appear in front of when he was a trial lawyer, which is reflected in the consistently high marks he received in bar association polls, as well as the endorsements he received from media and professional groups and associations. Having returned to private practice, Judge Shadwick now strives to be the type of advocate he wanted to appear before him while he presided over the 55^th Judicial District Court.

As an attorney, Shadwick worked primarily in the oil and gas, banking and construction industries.  Representative cases included secured transactions, corporate and partnership governance disputes, and contractual disputes.

In addition to his public service on the bench, Judge Shadwick’s civic involvement includes two terms as an elected HISD board trustee, and one year as Board President in 2001.  During this service, Judge Shadwick spearheaded innovations to address bi-lingual education, social promotion and decentralization of budgeting and authority.  He also played a large role in HISD’s successful bond campaign.

Judge Shadwick is admitted to practice in all Texas and Kansas state and federal courts, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.

He is a member of the Houston and Texas Bar Associations, and participates in the Houston and Texas Bar Foundations which support pro bono activities.  Judge Shadwick is an active participant and director in the Garland Walker Inns of Court which pursues its mission of promoting civility in the bar, and mentorship of young lawyers.  He also is the author of a published novel entitled ‘The Second Condition.’ With respect to his mediation services and experience, he is also a member of the American Arbitration Association. Judge Shadwick is active at West University Baptist Church, including teaching an adult Sunday school class.  In addition to his other accolades, Judge Shadwick is a member of American Mensa, a high IQ society.

He received his undergraduate degree in history from University of Kansas in 1978 and graduated from the Baylor University School of Law in 1981 as a member of the Order of Barristers. Judge Shadwick is “AV” rated by the Martindale Hubbell rating service.