Young Gunner’s SCOTX Series | Episode 4: A Conversation with Justice John Phillip Devine

Justice John Phillip Devine’s path to the Supreme Court of Texas is a story of determination, transition, and public trust. A native of Indiana, he earned his B.S. in business administration and marketing from Ball State University before making Texas his home. Beginning his career as an analyst at Shell Oil Co. in Houston, he went on to hold several corporate and project-based roles before entering public service. Join us as Justice Devine shares how his unique professional background and commitment to the community led him to become the only current member of the Texas Supreme Court who was elected by the people, rather than appointed.

You can access this episode and our other episodes here: https://tyla.org/resource/young-gunners-podcast/

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Chapters

• 1:28 What motivated you to seek a seat on the Supreme Court of Texas, and when did you make that decision?
• 7:57 Can you share what factors or experiences, prior to your election as a district judge, influenced your decision to eventually pursue a seat on the Supreme Court of Texas?
• 10:10 Do you feel that your experience serving as an elected district court judge gave you the confidence and perspective to pursue a position on a higher court?
• 11:59 What originally brought you to Texas, and what insights or experiences from your time here have had a lasting impact on your professional or personal perspective?
• 15:00 What are some of the most significant lessons you’ve learned from practicing law in both the private and public sectors that have informed your work on the Supreme Court of Texas?
• 17:13 Are there any mentors or colleagues who had a particularly meaningful impact on your path to the Supreme Court of Texas?
• 20:35 Could you walk us through what a typical day looks like for you in your role on the Supreme Court of Texas?
• 24:56 How do you approach collaboration with your colleagues on the Court when there are differing perspectives or interpretations?
• 28:51 How does your experience in your current role compare to your initial expectations, and have there been any aspects that have been significantly different from what you anticipated?
• 30:53 Is there anything you wish you had known earlier before stepping into this role?
• 34:26 As a first-generation attorney, what advice would you offer to young lawyers aspiring to pursue a career in the judiciary or public service?