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Ramos speaks
After a 20-year career in Houston family law, serving as both judge and attorney in Harris County family court, a Southeast Texas native has returned home and Jan. 19 announced her intention to become the first woman to preside over the 317th Civil District Court.
Chelsie Ramos’ mother said Ramos announced ambitions of becoming a lawyer when she was just 14. Watching the launch of her daughter’s candidacy to become a Jefferson County Judge was “thrilling,” she added.
Ramos is running unopposed in the Democratic primary for judge of the 317th District Court, a family court position held by Judge Larry Thorne for the past 24 years.
“I would be honored to follow his legacy,” Ramos said on the steps of the Jefferson County Courthouse, “and I am humbly asking for your support to elect me to take his place as Judge of the 317th Family District Court of Jefferson County. If elected, it would make me the very first female family court judge of Jefferson County.
“I was born and raised in Southeast Texas. I returned home from Houston after a 20-year career in family law, so that I can raise my children in our community, which supports family values and faith. As the judge of the 317th, I will serve our community and protect our children.”
As for what qualifies her to run family court in Jefferson County, Ramos told the crowd of approximately 50 that she served as a family court judge in Harris County for four years.
“It is one of the largest counties in the United States,” she offered. “I have managed an extremely large docket, and I know how to run a courtroom efficiently and effectively.”
Additionally, “I have received certifications from the Texas Center for the Judiciary for Judicial Ethics courses and Domestic Violence training. I have specialized knowledge in identifying and responding to these issues that, unfortunately, are so often prevalent in family court.”
Over her 20-year career, Ramos has only practiced family law matters. She has handled complex family law matters, served as a mediator, arbitrator, appointed as an attorney ad litem to represent indigent parents in CPS cases, and appointed as an amicus attorney to represent children in their best interest in high-conflict custody cases.
“I have volunteered as an instructor to train child advocates for CASA,” she said. “I have volunteered as a mediator at the Jefferson County Dispute Resolution Center, which gives me additional opportunities to connect with families in our community.”
Ramos revealed her own family “struggles” she’s managed, saying, “I have experienced the struggles of a divorce, of being a single parent, abusive relationships and being a stepmom. So, I understand the stress of juggling a career, providing for my children and managing life’s curve balls. With my life experiences, and having served as a former family court judge, I will ensure that justice is administered in my court in a fair, compassionate and impartial manner. Every person who enters my courtroom can be confident that my rulings will be based solely on the merits of his or her case.”
Although Ramos doesn’t have an opponent in the impending primary – early voting begins Feb. 14, and the Primary Election is March 1 – she urged Jefferson County residents to register to vote and hopes Democrats have a good showing of support.
“So, now is the time to spread the word,” she said. “I cannot do this without your support. I look forward to continuing to earn your support throughout the year.”