Nowak received a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctor degree from Baylor University Law School. Prior to becoming a Texan, Nowak was born in Poland and immigrated to the United States as a refugee from communism.

Governor Abbott Appoints Nowak To 366th Judicial District Court

Prior to becoming a Texan, Nowak was born in Poland and immigrated to the United States as a refugee from communism. He lives in McKinney with his wife and two children.

Judge Nowak has given speeches to various legal and civic groups while promoting the practice of good law. He enjoys helping students at mock trial competitions from high school to law school, fostering an appreciation for our justice system. As a leader in his community, Judge Nowak donates time to various non-profit organizations and groups. He volunteers as an advisory board member at his children’s school and coaches sports teams.

About Tom

Tom Nowak earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from Texas A&M University and a law degree from Baylor University Law School. He lives in McKinney with his wife and two children, and volunteers as an advisory board member at his children’s school and coaches sports teams.

Tom earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from Texas A&M University and a law degree from Baylor University Law School. He lives in McKinney with his wife and two children, and volunteers as an advisory board member at his children’s school and coaches sports teams.

Tom Nowak of McKinney is the criminal supervising attorney at Henley & Henley, P.C. and an Air Force reservist JAG officer. Previously, he served as an assistant district attorney in the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. He is board certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Tom has worked as the criminal supervising attorney at Henley & Henley, P.C. and previously served as an assistant district attorney in the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. He also served as a Judge Advocate General officer in the Air Force Reserve and is board-certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

September 19, 2019 | Austin, Texas | Appointment
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Tom Nowak as Judge of the 366th Judicial District Court in Collin County, effective October 3, 2019, for a term set to expire on December 31, 2020, or until his successor shall be duly elected and qualified.

I am proud to be serving as your elected judge of the 366th District Court. Your trust in me has resulted in an efficient, experienced, and dedicated court of justice. With your continued support, we will win a full term to ensure justice for the citizens of Collin County.

Keep Judge Tom Nowak - 366th District Court - Collin County

Tom serves as the elected judge of the 366th District Court in Collin County. He was appointed to the court in 2019 to fill a term set to expire on December 31, 2020.

Tom Nowak serves as the elected judge of the 366th District Court in Collin County. He was appointed to the court in 2019 to fill a term set to expire on December 31, 2020.

2026 Texas General Election

Serves as criminal supervising attorney at Henley & Henley, P.C.

- Serves as criminal supervising attorney at Henley & Henley, P.C.

Legal Experience

Judge Nowak has helped to ensure our backlogs do not grow because of the pandemic.  In fact, Judge Nowak and the 366th have consistently reduced the number of cases pending in the 366th this past year.  While other counties are falling behind, Judge Nowak and the other judges of Collin County are moving quickly to give value to Collin County citizens.  See and share the graphic below.

Judge Nowak helps Collin County Lead State of Texas

366th District Court Judge Tom Nowak said Collin County’s judicial system is “lauded by the Supreme Court” and one of the two counties in Texas that "basically" doesn't have a district court backlog. But he said the county needs more district court judges to meet the needs of the growing county.

“We’re going to need to expand,” Nowak said. “That's just a fact of life, and the fact that people are moving into Collin County.”

Collin County judges say more district courts are needed

The people of Collin County deserve unmatched skill, determination, and honesty, qualities I have demonstrated throughout my tenure on the 366th District Court. Since the last election, our court has set the standard in upholding the rule of law and delivering swift, fair resolutions. If re-elected, I promise to continue this legacy—applying a strict adherence to the law and ensuring the impartial, prompt, and efficient administration of justice.

As a district judge, says the 366th District Court reduced the number of pending cases during the pandemic.

Calls for additional district court judges as Collin County's population grows.

Pledges to ensure the impartial, prompt, and efficient administration of justice if re-elected.

- As a district judge, says the 366th District Court reduced the number of pending cases during the pandemic.
- Calls for additional district court judges as Collin County's population grows.
- Pledges to ensure the impartial, prompt, and efficient administration of justice if re-elected.

Judicial Administration

Now, more than ever, we need leaders with real experience in our courts—leaders who understand justice firsthand and are committed to fairness for all. Expertise matters, which is why my Board Certification in Criminal Law ensures our courts uphold the law with precision and integrity. Perspective matters, and my experience advocating on both sides of a case has reinforced my commitment to impartiality—ensuring judges interpret the law rather than legislate from the bench. Decisive leadership matters, and my time in the Air Force instilled in me the efficiency and discipline necessary to serve Collin County with integrity.

Committed to impartial interpretation of the law rather than legislating from the bench.

- Committed to impartial interpretation of the law rather than legislating from the bench.

Judicial Philosophy

As of July 22, 2026, Tom Nowak’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Serves as an advisory board member at his children’s school.

- Serves as an advisory board member at his children’s school.
- Coaches sports teams.

Community Involvement

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Tom Nowak

- Pledges to ensure the impartial, prompt, and efficient administration of justice if re-elected.

Tom is from Poland. He attended North Mesquite High School. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctor degree from Baylor University Law School. He lives with his wife and two children in McKinney.

Tom Nowak is currently judge of the 366th Judicial District Court in Collin County. He was appointed in October 2019 to fill the unexpired term of retiring Judge Ray Wheless, was elected in November 2020 to serve the remainder of that term, and is serving his first term.

Nowak to Succeed Wheless as Collin County District Judge

Board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Enjoys helping students at mock trial competitions from high school to law school, fostering an appreciation for the justice system.

Buket Urgen

Mauricio Mendez

- District judges manage Texas district courts, which are trial courts with general jurisdiction, and have exclusive authority over felony cases. A judge may be presiding over a civil, criminal, juvenile, or special court. They also share jurisdiction with Texas county courts.
- Texas has over 470 district courts, each presided over by a single judge. Some courts cover multiple counties, while others are assigned to single counties based on population size.
- District judges are elected through partisan elections for four-year terms. Candidates must be between 25 and 75 years old, have lived in the district for at least 2 years, and be licensed lawyers with at least 4 years' experience.
- The annual salary for district judges ranges from $175,000 to $245,500, depending on years of service.

Presides over a trial court with general jurisdiction. 