Honorable Judge David Kelton

Dallas, Texas

David Kelton, a proud native Texan and life-long resident of Dallas, served the people of Texas and Dallas County as a judicial officer from March 1998 through December 31, 2006. His strength of character and life's philosophy were established through the guidance of his parents, Philip and Dolly Kelton, and through the lessons learned over 25 years of trying cases throughout the State of Texas.

Philip Kelton was a founding partner of the Dallas law firm, Strasburger & Price. David's love of law and legal instincts were inspired by his father's life long mentoring. Dolly Kelton was a teacher at the Hockaday School and counselor at Camp Waldemar. David's brother, Philip Kelton Jr., is a distinguished surgeon at Baylor University Medical Center.

David is married to his lovely wife, Ruth, has two sons, Bryan and Matthew, and a granddaughter, Finley. Ruth is an accomplished businesswoman who runs her own association management firm. Bryan is the owner of a local advertising agency. Matthew is a Junior at Texas Tech University, and is interested in pursuing a career in sociology and psychology. And Finley is a vibrant toddler that keeps Grandpa on his toes.

David Kelton is committed to the community in ways that go beyond his judicial service. He has served on the board of directors of the Downtown Dallas YMCA and has been a “Y” volunteer for 30+ years. David has discovered a passion for the Arts through his acting in shows at Duncanville, Frisco, Mesquite and Richardson community theatres over the past 11 years. He formerly served on the board of directors for the Richardson Community Theatre.

Non-Subscriber Experience

Arbitrator in disputes involving non-subscriber workers compensation, complex commercial litigation, personal injury, contract disputes, deceptive trade practice, consumer fraud and residential and commercial property defect cases.

Mediations of non-subscriber workers compensation, commercial and residential construction defect cases, dram shop cases, legal malpractice, personal injury, contract interpretation, collections, deceptive trade practice, fraud, employment disputes and intellectual property cases.

Education  + -

  • Center for Public Policy Dispute Resolution – University of Texas School of Law – Austin, TX
    Certification: Mediator / 3rd Party Neutral pursuant to Chapter 154, Civil Practices and Remedies Code )   2006
  • University of Texas School of Law – Austin, Texas
    Juris Doctor   1969 to 1972
  • University of Colorado – Boulder, Colorado
    B.A. English / History   1964 to 1968

Experience  + -

  • Arbitrator
    2007 to Present
  • Mediator
    2007 to Present
  • 44th Judicial District Court – Dallas County, Texas
    Judge   2002 to 2006
  • Civil District Court Master
    Associate Judge   1998 to 2002
  • David Kelton, Attorney at Law, PC
    Solo Practice   1980 to 1998
  • Johnson Shanklin Billings Kelton & Porter
    1975 to 1979
  • Vial Hamilton Koch Knox Tubb and Stradley
    Associate   1972 to 1975

Memberships & Affiliations  + -

  • American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
    Former Member
  • William 'Mac' Taylor Inn of Court
  • College of the State Bar of Texas
  • Dallas Bar Association
  • Texas Bar Association
  • United States District Courts - Northern District of Texas
  • Kappa Sigma Fraternity (Delta Tau Chapter)
  • Texas Army National Guard
    1968-1974
  • Dallas Young Lawyers Foundation
    Founding Member
  • Downtown Dallas YMCA: Voice of the Dallas YMCA, Turkey Trot, Community Service Programs
    Volunteer   40 years
  • Dallas County Community College District (El Centro Campus)
    Former instructor
  • Dallas YMCA Board of Directors
    Former member
  • Richardson Theater Center Board of Directors
    Former member
  • Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program
    Participating Judge
  • Texas High School Mock Trial Program
    Participating Judge

Honors & Awards  + -

  • AV® Preeminent™ Attorney Peer Rating - Martindale- Hubbell