The Hon. April L. Farris

April L. Farris was appointed to the Texas First Court of Appeals by Governor Abbott in January 2021. She was elected to a six-year term in 2022.

Before joining the court, April was a partner at Yetter Coleman LLP where she handled complex appellate litigation for energy, technology, and government clients. While in private practice, she was recognized in appellate law by Law360, Best Lawyers in America, and Thompson Reuters' Super Lawyers. In 2020, April was one of five attorneys in the nation to be named a Law360 Rising Star. 

April previously served as an Assistant Solicitor General for the State of Texas, where she handled appeals for various Texas agencies. She recently completed a three-year term on the Council of the Texas State Bar Appellate Section, and she currently co-chairs its CLE Committee. She has given more than 30 CLE presentations on topics including Texas law and constitutional issues. 

 April serves as a National Association of Women Judges mentor judge for Afghan refugee judges resettled in Texas. April is an active member of the Texas Bar Foundation, the Houston Bar Association, the Garland R. Walker Inn of Court, the Houston Federalist Society, and Christian Legal Society.

April clerked for Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. She graduated from Harvard Law School cum laude in 2009, and she earned her bachelor's degree summa cum laude from Abilene Christian University in 2006.