Since graduating first in his class at Baylor Law School, Justice David J. Schenck has built a reputation of integrity and independence throughout his expansive three-decade career as a tough but fair legal mind who calls them like he sees them, free of bias or outside influence. He led the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the Constitutional body that oversees the behavior of all judges in Texas.

A strict, conservative constructionist, he is an ethical, principled stalwart who is applauded for standing up against cronyism and any form of the “pay for play” politics that are far too common today. He has served the Constitution as an advocate for recognition of the Second Amendment in the first federal appellate case (Emerson) over Texas ever to so hold, and again as lead counsel to Texas State Rifle Association and 42 other state associations before the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark Heller case He stood up for religious liberty as pro bono counsel to First Liberty, the CATo Institute and the Christian Legal Society in multiple cases in the U.S. Supreme Court and in the lower courts.

Appointed to the Fifth District Court of Appeals by Governor Rick Perry in 2015, Justice Schenck was elected to a full term in the largest appellate district in the state in 2016 demonstrating his ability to succeed in a tough election and to lead major battles over upholding the Constitution while on the bench. Prior to that, his career spanned the full scope of legal experience, from private practice to public service at the highest levels of state government.

Justice Schenck has previously served on the adjunct faculty of the Southern Methodist University School of Law and the University of North Texas College of Law. He is board certified in appellate law (civil), a member of the American Law Institute, and a Master of the Bench of the Patrick Higginbotham Inn of Court, and repeatedly included in various “best’ and “Super lawyers”’ lists. He served also as Chairman of the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the body responsible for oversight of the State Judiciary. Over the years, he has made his positions on judicial integrity, competence and the need for reforms to promote public confidence well known including his 2022 race for the Texas Supreme Court.

Justice Schenck is a Christian, a member of the Highland Park Methodist Church, husband and father of two children who attend Dallas public schools.