Nile Bailey Copeland, a Republican trial attorney with about 24 years of legal experience, is running for the 55th District Court in Harris County. He faces Democratic incumbent Judge Latosha Lewis Payne in the Nov. 3 general election.
Copeland said he is seeking the bench because he believes courts work best when the law is applied fairly, cases move efficiently and every person in the courtroom is treated with dignity and respect. He said his legal and judicial experience can be put to productive service for the people of Harris County, according to a response to a Surround Sound News questionnaire.
Candidate information
- Party: Republican
- Office sought: Texas District Court Judge, District 55
- Education: Bachelor's degree in biological sciences and master's degree in education administration, Louisiana State University; law degree, South Texas College of Law Houston (1999); mediation training, A.A. White Dispute Resolution Center, University of Houston
- Endorsement: Harris County Republican Party
- Professional credentials: Licensed real estate professional; certified mediator; certified arbitrator
Experience and public service
Copeland is the principal of the Copeland Law Group. His practice has included civil litigation, business law, real estate, contracts and alternative dispute resolution, he said in the questionnaire.
He served more than nine years as an appointed associate judge for the City of Houston Municipal Courts. He described that role as one requiring fair, efficient decisions under demanding docket conditions.
Copeland has also served as chair and panelist arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
On the issues
Qualifications and preparation
Copeland cited his combination of judicial service and private practice as his strongest preparation for the bench. He pointed to courtroom management, impartial decision-making, conflict resolution and responsibility for matters that affect people's lives and businesses, according to his questionnaire response.
What sets him apart
Copeland said his private practice exposed him to the practical consequences that litigation, delay and judicial administration have on individuals and businesses. That experience shapes his approach, he said. He said he would focus on careful application of the law, meaningful preparation, timely rulings, efficient docket management and equal treatment of parties appearing before the court.
On listening
Asked to share the best advice he has received, Copeland quoted the guidance to "make time to listen to people. You may never realize how much you can learn simply by listening." He said good decisions begin with understanding, and understanding begins with listening.
