MIDLOTHIAN – Resident Andrea Westerfeld made state history last month as the first woman ever appointed to serve as a justice on the Tenth Court of Appeals.
She was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott for a term set to expire on December 31, 2028.
With this appointment, Westerfeld just shattered a 103-year gender barrier on the Waco-based court, which reviews criminal and civil appeals across 18 Texas counties.
“Women have made such strides even in just my lifetime, and hopefully appointments such as this will not be historic much longer,” Westerfeld said.
“I grew up with a strong emphasis on being able to do anything I set my mind to, and growing up fiercely competitive with my big brother made me determined never to let anything hold me back.
“I’ve worked towards the idea of an appellate judgeship for my entire career and knowing that I’m the first woman to hit that goal definitely brings an extra sense of pride and responsibility.”
Her path to the historic bench is a full-circle moment; she was originally inspired to pursue a career in law as a child after reading a biography of Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
Westerfeld explained, “As a little girl with no lawyers in my family or immediate circle, reading a story about Sandra Day O’Connor when I was eight years old made me decide I was going to be a lawyer and a justice someday. I didn’t really know what that meant then, but the more I learned about the law the more determined I was.”
She said she loves thinking that there may be a little girl out there inspired by her story as much as she was inspired by O’Connor.”
Westerfeld brings a wealth of specialized judicial experience to her new role, having spent years serving as the Chief of the Appellate Division for the Ellis County District Attorney’s Office, where she litigated high-profile cases and established herself as a leading legal voice in the region.
She said her background overall will help shape her perspective and decision-making on the appellate bench since as an appellate prosecutor she handled any issue that the DA’s office touched from Class C misdemeanors to death penalties, juvenile offenders, parental rights terminations, and even civil issues such as elections and employment law.
“I’ve argued cases in both the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and the Texas Supreme Court, which is rare for a prosecutor because the Texas Supreme Court handles only civil issues,” Westerfeld explained.
“I love that I’ve been able to get experience in so many different areas as well as learning how to get up to speed on something new very quickly.
“Those skills are going to come in very handy as I start to learn the ins and outs of all the different types of cases the 10th Court hears.”
Westerfeld did add that changing from advocate to neutral party is the toughest transition any attorney makes when coming to the bench.
“Fortunately, most of my experience is an appellate attorney specifically rather than a trial court attorney.
“An appellate attorney looks at cases with a longer perspective, looking not only to win any given issue but to make sure the case will be upheld on appeal.
“Because of that, I’ve been able to develop a reputation as more of a neutral party who is going to give the advice that’s correct under the law, not just the advice that will help the State win.
“That will help me immensely in making the transition, because I already know that the important thing is finding the right answer, not just the one that will help my side the most.”
With her appointment for the next two-plus years, Westerfeld said efficiency is the most important thing for her.
“I’ve seen over the years as a prosecutor that justice delayed is justice denied.
“Whether you’re a victim, defendant, or family of either, you want to have a final resolution of the case as soon as possible, she explained.
“People involved in civil and family cases have the same interest. No one wants to wait for years in limbo to hear what will finally happen to their case.
“For many years I was the only appellate prosecutor here [Ellis County], so I had to learn how to work quickly and efficiently to meet deadlines.
“I’m going to bring that same sense of purpose to the 10th Court to make sure that cases don’t take any longer than truly necessary to get resolved.”
A long-time Midlothian resident, Westerfeld, was sworn in Oct. 1 after nine years with the Ellis County District Attorney’s Office and 14 years with the Collin County District Attorney’s Office, where she began specializing in appellate work.
Westerfeld is a seventh-generation Texan, and her family roots go back to Crawford, Texas.
She also has a deep connection with McLennan County as well as Ellis County.
With an international studies degree from Wells College in upstate New York, she earned her law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
“I think that the most important quality any judge can bring to the courts is a deep knowledge and respect for the law.
“A judge, and especially an appellate justice, is not there to bring our personal feelings to the bench but just to apply the law equally and fairly to everyone,” Westerfeld concluded.