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Candidates for Texas Supreme Court, Place 2 respond to League of Women Voters questions

Don Willett
  • Originally published October 26, 2012 at 7:27 p.m., updated October 26, 2012 at 7:27 p.m.

Editor's note: The Advocate is profiling candidates in the Nov. 6 election. This profile compiled by the League of Women Voters features candidates for Texas Supreme Court, Place 2.

• Name: Don Willett

• Political Party: Republican

• Website: donwillett.com

• Email: don@donwillett.com

What is your education and experience?

I've served on the Supreme Court since 2005. Texas' then-living former chief justices cheered, saying, "Willett brings to the court one of the most varied and wide-ranging legal backgrounds in recent memory." (Answer exceeded word limit.)

How do you maintain impartiality, given the need to raise funds for political campaigns?

Former United States Chief Justice Roger Traynor was on target: "There is no unobjectionable way to decide who shall judge or to judge those who do." I've endured firsthand the drawbacks to our imperfect system - most acutely the unseemly and relentless fundraising - though I confess I haven't devised the perfect replacement. (Answer exceeded word limit.)

The Texas Supreme Court oversees and controls rules and standards for the legal profession. What changes to the attorney disciplinary rules are needed to provide better protection to the public?

Texas lawyers in 2011 rejected an overhaul of the Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct - the culmination of a process that started in 2003. While some reforms are open to debate, others - like forbidding sex with clients - seem like no-brainers. Everyone doubtless shares the same goal: smart changes that better protect lawyers and clients. (Answer exceeded word limit.)

How have you worked toward improving access to justice for all Texans and what role should the Texas Supreme Court play in ensuring access to justice?

The Supreme Court plays an integral role, spurring lawyers, banks, the Legislature, the Attorney General, and other civic-minded Texans to help overwhelmed legal-aid providers. In 2011, Texas lawyers contributed almost $900,000 to Access to Justice with their bar dues, funding life-changing legal services - defending against wrongful foreclosures, securing FEMA payments ... (Answer exceeded word limit.)

• Name: R.S. Roberto Koelsch

• Political Party: Libertarian

• Campaign Phone: 713-882-7259

• Email: rkoelsch@vzw.blackberry.net

What is your education and experience?

South Texas College of Law 1987 | Experience: I've been everywhere it seems like! Litigated all over the Texas triangle: DFW to San Antonio to Galveston. This is a huge State & there is only so much I can travel?

How do you maintain impartiality, given the need to raise funds for political campaigns?

I'm spending less than $500.

The Texas Supreme Court oversees and controls rules and standards for the legal profession. What changes to the attorney disciplinary rules are needed to provide better protection to the public?

Punish people (attorneys) who don't show up!

How have you worked toward improving access to justice for all Texans and what role should the Texas Supreme Court play in ensuring access to justice?

[Part of response omitted because it does not meet criteria.]. I have represented many people in Lago for free because they can't afford someone who knows the deadlines despite their intuitive sense of what's right and wrong. That's why we have Juries. Thank God. Roberto