Judge Joseph “Tad” Halbach was appointed Judge of the 333rd Civil District Court in October of 1995.  He was elected in November of 1996 and then re-elected in 2000, 2004 and 2008.  During his 13 years on the bench, Judge Halbach has served as the Harris County Civil Administrative Judge and on the Harris County Juvenile Board.  Today, he is the Harris County Local Administrative District Judge, and a member of the Harris County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee.  Since December of 2009, Judge Halbach has also been the Silica MDL Judge for the entire state of Texas.

Since 1995, Judge Halbach has disposed of thousands of matters, tried hundreds of cases, and substantially reduced the size of the court’s docket.  The members of the Houston Bar Association have consistently rated him as one of the very best civil district judges - a judge who works hard and is prepared, who demonstrates fairness and impartiality, who follows the law, and who is courteous to all, no matter who they are.

Prior to taking the bench, Judge Halbach had more than 13 years in an active trial and appellate practice covering a wide range of complex business, commercial, insurance and tort disputes.  Judge Halbach is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and a frequent writer and speaker at various CLE (Continuing Legal Education) programs.  He is currently an Adjunct Professor and the University Of Houston School Of Law, teaching Trial Advocacy.  Judge Halbach is also a director of the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists and a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas. He is member of the Garland Walker Inn of Court.

A graduate of the University of Texas, Judge Halbach began his career in 1982 as an associate with Bonham, Carrington & Fox, where he stayed until 1986, when he and three other lawyers formed the firm of Wilshire, Scott, Halbach & Dyer.  In late 1990, Judge Halbach began a solo practice, concentrating in litigation, but also maintaining a general business practice including corporate, partnership, contract, employment, real estate and financial matters.  He also became certified as a mediator and mediated nearly 50 cases.

Throughout his career, Judge Halbach has been dedicated to professional and public service.  He is a past president of the Houston Young Lawyers Association and was a charter member of the Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas.   A member of Leadership Houston Class XII, Judge Halbach was a 1994 Five Outstanding Young Houstonian Finalist.  Judge Halbach served as a director for Marywood Children & Family Services, a statewide agency headquartered in Austin, from 1993-1999 and today he is an advisory director for the Aspiring Youth Foundation, a nationwide foundation headquartered in Houston.  An Eagle Scout, Judge Halbach is also active in the Boy Scouts of America, having served for more than 4 years as the Troop Committee Chair for Boy Scout Troop 505 and Vice-Chair for Program for the Golden Arrow District of the Sam Houston Area Council.  Judge Halbach has been honored with the Silver Beaver Award, the St. George Emblem, and the District Award of Merit for his continued service to youth through the Scouting Program.  He served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 1812 for the 2005 National Scout Jamboree.   In the summer of 2007, he served on the International Service Team for the World Jamboree in London, England.  Most recently, Judge Halbach was an Assistant Course Director for Wood Badge Course SR-920 and SR-1007, BSA’s most advanced adult leadership training. Last summer, he served on national staff for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree.  Judge Halbach is also a dedicated volunteer and lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, for which he serves on the Grand Entry Committee.