Brett Busby, a former justice of the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston who lost re-election in November, is the newest member of the Supreme Court of Texas.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday afternoon that he appointed Busby, a former partner at Bracewell, to the state’s highest court to replace retired justice Phil Johnson.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Texas Senate, but no one expects that will be a problem.
“Brett’s respect for the Constitution and his understanding that judges say what the law is, not what they would like it to be, will serve the people of Texas well as he ascends to our highest court,” Abbott said. “I am grateful to Brett for his dedication to the Lone Star State and his unwavering commitment to the rule of law.”
Busby served on the appellate court from June 2012 through December 2018, but he was among the 20 Republican appellate judges who were defeated in the November elections.
“I’m honored that Governor Abbott has appointed me to serve on the Supreme Court of Texas,” Busby says. “I have specialized in appeals for my entire career, so it is a special joy for me to have this opportunity to serve Texans on our highest civil appellate court. I look forward to the confirmation process in the Texas Senate.”
A graduate of the Columbia University School of Law, Busby is considered a conservative jurist and is well liked by members of the appellate bar.
“The selection of Justice Brett Busby to serve as on the Texas Supreme Court is a wise choice by the Governor. He has served the state well on the 14th Court of Appeals—a busy court that has decided many complex cases touching on a wide array of legal issues in our state,” Haynes and Boone appellate partner Ben Mesches says.
“In addition to his distinguished public service, Justice Busby was a seasoned and highly regarded appellate practitioner in private practice, a perspective that will benefit the Court. Justice Busby has a reputation as a scholarly and independent appellate court judge and has a collaborative voice, which will serve the Court well. We look forward to appearing before Justice Busby in his new role on the Texas Supreme Court.”
David Coale, a partner at Lynn Pinker Cox & Hurst in Dallas, also praised Gov. Abbott’s pick.
“Justice Busby has been exceptionally active in the leadership of the State Bar Appellate Section and is in fact currently serving as chair of that section. This experience should give him great insight into the thoughts and concerns of the appellate bar,” Coale says.
“His opinions are, uniformly, both thoroughly-researched and easy to read. If I find a “Busby Opinion” on an issue I am researching I know it will be helpful and will not give me a headache to read. Like Justice Johnson who he replaces, Justice Busby is seen as gracious and polite to everyone who argues before him.”