Hon. Joseph J. Halbach

 Joseph “Tad” Halbach was the Judge of the 333rd Civil District Court from 1995 through 2016. He retired in December of 2016 and has served as a Senior District Judge, mediator and arbitrator since then. During his 21 years on the bench, Judge Halbach served in many capacities, including the Harris County Local Administrative District Judge, the Harris County Civil Administrative Judge, and as a member of both the Harris County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee and the Harris County Juvenile Board. From 2009 through 2016, Judge Halbach was the Silica MDL Judge for the entire state of Texas. In 2013, he was chosen as the Trial Judge of the Year by the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists. 

Prior to taking the bench, Judge Halbach had more than 13 years in an active trial and appellate practice covering a wide range of complex business, commercial, insurance and tort disputes. Judge Halbach is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and a frequent writer and speaker at various CLE (Continuing Legal Education) programs. He is a former Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston School of Law, teaching Trial Advocacy. Judge Halbach is also a director of the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists and a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas. In addition, he is member of the Garland Walker Inn of Court. He also served as a volunteer mentor for young lawyers. 

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin (BA’78, JD’82), Judge Halbach began his career in 1982 as an associate with Bonham, Carrington & Fox, where he stayed until 1986, when he and three other lawyers formed the firm of Wilshire, Scott, Halbach & Dyer. In late 1990, Judge Halbach began a solo practice, concentrating in litigation, but also maintaining a general business practice including corporate, partnership, contract, employment, real estate and financial matters. In 1993, he also became certified as a mediator. He has now mediated more than 1,800 cases and has been honored as a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator by the Texas Credentialed Mediator Association. Judge Halbach is also a member of the American Arbitration Association’s Roster of Arbitrators and the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. He has served as an arbitrator in more than 80 matters. 

Throughout his career, Judge Halbach has been dedicated to professional and public service. He is a past president of the Houston Young Lawyers Association and was a charter member of the Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas. A member of Leadership Houston Class XII, Judge Halbach was a 1994 Five Outstanding Young Houstonian Finalist. Judge Halbach served as a director for Marywood Children & Family Services, a statewide agency headquartered in Austin, from 1993-1999, and for many years he was an advisory director for the Aspiring Youth Foundation, a nationwide foundation headquartered in Houston. An Eagle Scout, Judge Halbach has been active in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), having served as the Troop Committee Chair for Boy Scout Troop 505 and Vice-Chair for Program for the Golden Arrow District of the Sam Houston Area Council. Judge Halbach has been honored with the Silver Beaver Award, the St. George Emblem, and the District Award of Merit for his continued service to youth through the Scouting Program. He served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 1812 for the 2005 National Scout Jamboree. In the summer of 2007, he served on the International Service Team for the World Jamboree in London, England. Judge Halbach was also an Assistant Course Director for Wood Badge Course SR-920 and SR-1007, BSA’s most advanced adult leadership training. In the summer of 2010, he served on national staff for the National Boy Scout Jamboree. Over the years, Judge Halbach has served BSA on the national, council and district level. He is also a dedicated volunteer and lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. 

Judge Halbach is 68 years old. He and his wife, Susan (who recently retired as Associate General Counsel with Kinder Morgan), have been married for more than 41 years and are active members of St. Vincent de Paul Church. They have two sons, ages 35 and 33, both of whom are Eagle Scouts. Judge and Mrs. Halbach are also the proud grandparents of two girls, ages 14 and 7.