This announcement is for the El Paso, Midland-Odessa, and Pecos divisions. Due to a measles outbreak currently impacting West Texas Detention Facility and its implications on speedy trial rights under 18 U.S.C. 3161, the Court finds that the end of justice outweigh the interest of the Defendants and of the public in a speedy trial, and that the period of time from February 12, 2026 through March 4, 2026, is excludable time within the Speedy Trial Act 18 U.S.C. 3161 and is hereby EXCLUDED from Continue reading →

By Order of the Court, the Midland-Odessa and Pecos United States Federal Courthouses, will be closed on Friday, April 3, 2026. Click the title of this news item to view the Midland-Odessa and Pecos  April 3rd Order.

By Order of the Court, the Waco United States Federal Courthouse shall be closed to the public on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will be closed on Friday, April 3, 2026. Click the title of this news item to view the March Order and April Order.

By Order of the Court, the Waco United States Federal Courthouse shall be closed to the public on Thursday, March 26, 2026, for the facilitation of mandatory training. Click the title of this news item to view the Waco Order.

The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas is recruiting for a term law clerk to U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Chestney for 2027-2028. The term law clerk assists the magistrate judge with the civil docket by preparing the judge for hearings, researching legal issues, and drafting initial drafts of orders and reports and recommendations. The term law clerk also supports the magistrate judge with the criminal docket by managing warrant and other requests from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and by researching criminal Continue reading →

The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for a Judicial Law Clerk (Career or Term) to support a United States Magistrate Judge in the El Paso Division.  The position provides essential legal, administrative, and case-related support to a United States Magistrate Judge.  This role is integral to the effective operation of chambers and require professionalism, discretion, teamwork, and a strong commitment to public service. Job Announcement for Law Clerk to U.S. Magistrate Judge El Paso, TX.

The current term of the office of United States Magistrate Judge Ronald C. Griffin is due to expire on August 12, 2026.  The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of U.S. Magistrate Judge Griffin to a new eight-year term.  Comments are invited from members of the bar and the public as to whether U.S. Magistrate Judge Griffin should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the Court.  All comments should be directed Continue reading →

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit seeks applications from all highly qualified candidates for a 14-year appointment as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Texas at San Antonio.   The posting is currently open and accepting applications for United States Bankruptcy Judge in San Antonio, Texas. The application must be received no later than Friday, August 29, 2025.  Questions or interest related to this position, go to www.ca5.uscourts.gov. Additional information regarding the appointment is listed below by clicking the Continue reading →

The POWER Act requires every federal district in the U.S. to host at least one public event annually to promote free legal services to empower survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.  This year, the judges of the Western District of Texas have joined with districts from around the country to host a CLE which is FREE.  We encourage you to participate.  You can log-in for the live stream at noon (Central Time) on Tuesday June 24 or watch a recording later Continue reading →