Dear Harris County Voter:

       It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce you to my candidacy for the 311th of Harris County!  By way of background, I am a husband, father and grandfather. I have been a lawyer in Harris County, Texas for almost two decades . Prior to that I was a school teacher and coach for 14 years. As an elementary, middle and high school teacher, I worked with parents and children on a constant basis to ensure that the family unit as a whole became invested in their child’s education. During my teaching tenure, I coached high school wrestling where I enjoyed much success as a coach. Though I loved teaching and coaching, in 1987 I decided to become a lawyer. In 1990, I graduated from law school and settled in Houston to practice law. In 1994, I went out on my own to become a solo practitioner. I have been heavily involved in family law ever since and have served as an Amicus Attorney on many cases.

       Family Law is unique because it effects people’s lives as no other area of law. A poorly handled family law case can adversely affect a family for many years. Accordingly, I believe that a family law attorney has a special obligation to his or her client to handle a case so that does not make a difficult life experience unnecessarily painful and expensive. Life can sometimes bring especially difficult and stressful challenges – especially when it comes to situations where it is necessary to legally intervene in family matters. Attorneys and judges in family law need to be committed to handle cases in a professional manner with the understanding that their actions can  make a person’s life better or worse.

       My commitment as a family lawyer has always been to litigate a case with my client’s long term best interest as the main objective. I understand that being in family court for a divorce, custody or other important matters can be a confusing and scary experience for my client.

       I will take that understanding with me to the bench. As a judge I will remember that I am elected to serve the community and do everything in my power to provide citizens with a fair, understanding and compassionate forum in which to have their case heard. All the while remembering that I am there to serve and represent the men and women of Harris County and will promise to dutifully treat the bench, and the families who come before me, with the dignity and respect that should be expected. 

       I ask for your support and your vote on Tuesday, March 2.

Sincerest Regards,

Joel A. Grandstaff
Candidate for Judge, 311^th District Court