2026 Texas General Election

• Legal Q&A for Mock Trial Students: Judges partnered with YMCA of Greater Houston in October to host a legal Q&A for students participating in their mock trial competition the following month. More than two dozen students joined with Court No. 3 Judge LaShawn Williams and Associate Judge Jermaine Thomas, asking great questions about topics such as the differences in criminal and civil procedures, trial preparation and strategies, effective opening statements, the burden of proof, and jury engagement.

Civil Courts Wrap Up Gavel Winter 2025 (PDF)

Jermaine Thomas joined other judges for a legal question-and-answer session with students participating in the YMCA of Greater Houston's mock trial competition.

Harris County Civil Court at Law No.5

Title: Transmittal by the County Clerk of the Oath of Office and Statement of Officer for Jermaine Thomas, Judge of the Harris County Civil Court at Law Number 5.

Harris County, Texas - File #: 26-0155

Judge Jermaine Thomas
County Civil Courts at Law No. 5

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Judge Jermaine Thomas, Court 5
Associate Judge Elaine Palmer

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County Civil Courts at Law No. 5

Jermaine currently serves as judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 5.

Jermaine Thomas currently serves as judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 5.

Among the highlights of 2024 was the addition of a new associate judge and dedicated eviction docket, both created to tackle the county’s increasing volume of eviction appeals. Associate Judge Jermaine Thomas was appointed in late 2023, but his work began in earnest in January 2024.

Serves as judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 5, presiding over cases within the court's jurisdiction and issuing rulings and orders.

Served as an associate judge in Harris County's civil courts, conducting hearings, issuing recommendations and rulings, and overseeing cases within the court's jurisdiction.

- Serves as judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 5, presiding over cases within the court's jurisdiction and issuing rulings and orders.
- Served as an associate judge in Harris County's civil courts, conducting hearings, issuing recommendations and rulings, and overseeing cases within the court's jurisdiction.

Legal Experience

As of September 11, 2026, Jermaine Thomas’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Partnered with the YMCA of Greater Houston to host a legal question-and-answer session for mock trial students.

- Partnered with the YMCA of Greater Houston to host a legal question-and-answer session for mock trial students.

Community Involvement

Facebook

Instagram

Jermaine Thomas

Jermaine Thomas is from Houston and was born and raised in Harris County. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Texas Southern University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law.

Jermaine Thomas previously worked as a clerk, associate attorney, and partner at Barnes & Associates.

Jermaine was appointed as judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 5, effective December 4, 2025.

- As a partner at Barnes & Associates, represented clients in trial litigation, commercial law, real estate, and corporate transactions.
- As an associate judge in Harris County Civil Courts at Law, presided over eviction appeals.
- Was appointed to serve as judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 5, effective December 4, 2025.

- As an associate judge, presided over 90% of eviction appeals and reduced the average docket time from 120 days to 45 days.

- Pledges to treat people appearing before the court fairly, respectfully, and with dignity.
- Said the appointment provides an opportunity to expand access to justice and strengthen fairness in Harris County courts.

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

- Hears bench and jury trials, including cases with large monetary amounts.
- Serves as an appellate judge for cases from local courts. They work on all cases they receive until they are closed or appealed to a higher court.
- County civil court-at-law judges are elected in a partisan, county-wide election to a four-year term. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, at least 25 years old, have been a Texas and county resident for at least 24 consecutive months, a practicing lawyer and/or judge in Texas for at least four years, and registered to vote in that county.
- The annual salary for county civil court-at-law judges ranges from $174,000 to $244,500, depending on years of service and how much they receive as a county supplement.

Hears bench and jury trials and appeals from local courts.

Harris County Civil Court at Law Judge, Position 5

Candidates (1)