Texas Supreme Court Justice Steps Down

By Angela Morris

Texas Supreme Court Justice Paul Green, who has served the court 15 years, will retire at the end of August.

The high court announced Tuesday that Green, who is currently the second longest-running justice on the court, would be stepping down.

“For a variety of reasons, both personally and professionally, I’m just ready to try something else. I’m 68 years old and I’ve got some thoughts on other things I’d like to do. It was just a good time,” Green said.

He said he wants to reenter the practice of law and perform mediation and arbitration work, but he may also decide to do do nonlaw related work for a foundation or charity.

The thought of something new entered Green’s mind about a year ago, but he kept pushing back his retirement. At this point, the high court has completed its term and issued all pending opinions. If Green stepped down now, then his replacement would be able to start fresh in a new term, he explained.

Green said he has made very good, close friends while he served on the high court. As justices sit around the conference table talking about interesting and exciting legal issues, and arguing passionately, they reach conclusions they think are correct under the law, he said.

“It’s a fascinating experience—something I wish a lot of people could have,” said Green. “I’m going to miss that interaction.”

He said it’s been such an honor and privilege to serve, and he is grateful to the people who helped him win election in the first place and kept him there.

“It’s been a terrific, great experience,” he said.

Green earned his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1977 and joined his father in a litigation practice where he worked for 17 years, the statement said.

In 1994, Green was elected to the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio. He was elected to the Supreme Court in 2004.

Most recently, Green was reelected to his seat in 2016. His current term would have ended Dec. 31, 2022.

Now, Gov. Greg Abbott will get to appoint his successor to the court.

“In Paul Green’s more than 15 years’ service on the Supreme Court he has consistently provided steady, insightful and wise counsel to his colleagues and to the judiciary — and certainly to me in his role for the past seven years as senior justice,” said Chief Justice Nathan Hecht in a statement. “To say he will be missed is an understatement for someone who has given a lifetime of dedication to the profession and to public service.”