Ballotpedia, Holly Taylor (Texas)

Holly earned a bachelor's degree from Rice University and a law degree and master's degree in public affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. She and her husband John have raised 4 children and have hosted 3 foreign exchange students. They currently reside in Austin, Texas.

Holly currently serves as the director of the Public Integrity and Complex Crimes Division of the Travis County District Attorney's Office. She previously served as assistant director for post-conviction matters and complex litigation support in the Civil Rights Division and has worked as a staff attorney and rules attorney for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. She has also taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law.

Holly Taylor's campaign for court of criminal appeals presiding judge is her first run for public office.

Candidate website

As Rules Attorney for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, provided legal guidance on criminal law and procedure.

As rules attorney for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, provided legal guidance on criminal law and procedure.

As a District Attorney, led the Appeals Team and became board certified in criminal appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

As a district attorney, led the Appeals Team and became board certified in criminal appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

As co-chair of the Austin Bar Association’s Continuing Legal Education Committee, organized monthly training events for local attorneys.

Has litigated cases in various courts, including state district courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Supervised the Public Integrity Unit, White Collar Crime Unit, Appeals and Complex Litigation Support Team, Insurance Fraud Teams, Disclosures Unit, Open Records Unit, and Wage Theft Team.

Supervised teams working with the Civil Rights Unit, Conviction Integrity Unit, and Appeals Team.

- As rules attorney for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, provided legal guidance on criminal law and procedure.
- As a district attorney, led the Appeals Team and became board certified in criminal appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
- As co-chair of the Austin Bar Association’s Continuing Legal Education Committee, organized monthly training events for local attorneys.
- Has litigated cases in various courts, including state district courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Supervised the Public Integrity Unit, White Collar Crime Unit, Appeals and Complex Litigation Support Team, Insurance Fraud Teams, Disclosures Unit, Open Records Unit, and Wage Theft Team.
- Supervised teams working with the Civil Rights Unit, Conviction Integrity Unit, and Appeals Team.

Legal Experience

Plans to enhance court procedures for fair and efficient case resolution.

Aims to improve judicial administration by collaborating with teams to fix wrongful convictions and tackle civil rights issues.

Aims to collaborate with teams to fix wrongful convictions and tackle civil rights issues.

Believes in "equal justice before the law" and as a prosecutor, focused on "fraud against our government and public officials who abuse their positions."

- Plans to enhance court procedures for fair and efficient case resolution.
- Aims to collaborate with teams to fix wrongful convictions and tackle civil rights issues.
- Believes in "equal justice before the law" and as a prosecutor, focused on "fraud against our government and public officials who abuse their positions."

Judicial Administration

Believes in safeguarding the independence, impartiality, and integrity of Texas courts.

Believes in "impartiality, equitable treatment, and deference to our State and Federal Constitutions and the rule of law."

- Believes in safeguarding the independence, impartiality, and integrity of Texas courts.
- Believes in "impartiality, equitable treatment, and deference to our State and Federal Constitutions and the rule of law."

Judicial Philosophy

Has coached children's soccer teams for many years.

Served as a PTA officer and as president of the high school band parent booster club.

Longtime members of Sonic Guild, a public charity focused on funding the creation and performance of new music by local artists.

Serves as a longtime member of Sonic Guild, a public charity focused on funding the creation and performance of new music by local artists.

Served as a Parent Teacher Association officer and was president of the high school band parent booster club.

Member of the Texas Bar College and the Society of Legal Scholars.

Invited presenter at legal education events, such as the Robert O. Dawson Conference on Criminal Appeals and the Texas State Bar’s Advanced Criminal Law Course.

- Has coached children's soccer teams for many years.
- Served as a PTA officer and as president of the high school band parent booster club.
- Serves as a longtime member of Sonic Guild, a public charity focused on funding the creation and performance of new music by local artists.
- Served as a Parent Teacher Association officer and was president of the high school band parent booster club.
- Member of the Texas Bar College and the Society of Legal Scholars.
- Invited presenter at legal education events, such as the Robert O. Dawson Conference on Criminal Appeals and the Texas State Bar’s Advanced Criminal Law Course.

Community Involvement

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Holly Taylor

Holly Taylor and her husband, John, have raised four children who attended Austin public schools and have hosted three foreign exchange students. Holly received her BA from Rice University in Houston and earned her law degree and Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. They currently reside in Austin, Texas.

Holly Taylor currently serves as the Director of the Public Integrity and Complex Crimes Division of the Travis County District Attorney's Office. She previously served as Assistant Director for Post-Conviction Matters and Complex Litigation Support in the Civil Rights Division and has worked as a staff attorney and Rules Attorney for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. She has also taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law.

As of September 12, 2024, Holly Taylor’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Admitted to practice in the U.S. Supreme Court.

As an attorney in the Public Integrity Unit, investigated and prosecuted cases of public corruption, election fraud, and official misconduct.

Served as a staff attorney and rules attorney for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Believes years of legal experience handling criminal cases and a dedication to justice have prepared him to serve on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Certified in Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court.

Believes her experience makes her "uniquely qualified" for the position of Presiding Judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Believes in improving judicial administration through research and writing.

Has written articles on criminal justice topics such as domestic violence, juvenile justice, jury unanimity, criminal law changes, and appellate procedure rules.

Has 25 years of legal practice experience in criminal cases, including violent felonies.

Believes they have the necessary skills, judgment, and expertise to fulfill the responsibilities of a judicial leader.

Supports working with the Conviction Integrity Unit to address and correct wrongful convictions.

Believes in providing strong leadership for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Believes a public policy background is essential for addressing the administrative tasks of the Presiding Judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Believes in combining experience and values for effective leadership in the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Supports local music through Sonic Guild, a public charity where they have been a member for many years.

- Voters of the entire state select the presiding judge of the Texas Criminal Court of Appeals. He or she serves in that capacity for a full six-year term. There are no term limits, but judges must retire at 75 years or older.
- They lead the court and set the agenda for its meetings and decisions, including which cases to hear.
- They represent the court in official matters and may speak on behalf of the court in public or with other branches of government.
- Presiding judges earn a base salary of $210,000 to $264,600, depending on how long they have served, plus an extra $14,700 for the presiding role.

One of nine judges who serves on the highest appeals court for criminal matters in Texas. 