Sherine E. Thomas

The Hon. Sherine Thomas has served as the presiding judge of the 353rd District Court in Austin since January 2025. Thomas previously served as the executive county attorney for Travis County, and in that role, she managed and supervised the civil side of the County Attorney’s Office, which included six divisions, both litigation and transactional. She was also responsible for overseeing certain office-wide policies impacting over 230 employees and assisted in administering a budget of approximately $23 million. Thomas also litigated and advised on significant cases for the community and for Travis County.

Judge Thomas has a broad government practice, including litigation, employment, civil rights, personal injury, elections, and condemnation. In her over two decades of practice, she has presented oral arguments to various state and federal courts of appeals, including the Supreme Court of Texas and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Thomas’ recognitions include Civil Practitioner of the Year by the Texas District and County Attorney’s Association, Travis County Democratic Party Quarter of Stars, and the Government Services Award by Travis County Women Lawyers Association. She has also received recognition by Austin Under 40, Austin Women’s Political Caucus and the Cub Scouts.

She is a special instructor for The University of Texas Law School’s Trial Advocacy Program, and is a reoccurring speaker for CLEs and other trainings for the Travis County Women Lawyers Association, Texas District and County Attorneys Association, and the Travis County Attorney’s Office.