“Life may not be fair,
BUT JUDGES SHOULD BE.”
Jim graduated from the University of Houston Law Center in 1991 after earning a BBA in Marketing from The University of Texas. With more than 34 years of experience as an attorney, including 26 years practicing in Harris County, Jim has successfully handled over 10,000 cases. His law firm represented both Plaintiffs and Defendants, giving him a well-balanced legal background and the ability to evaluate every case impartially and without preconceived bias.
Now serving as the Presiding Judge of Harris County Court at Law No. 2, Jim believes that whether a person is represented by an attorney or represents themselves, every individual deserves to begin their case on equal footing, without unfair advantage or head start in the courtroom. Jim is currently running for re-election to continue ensuring fairness, balance, and integrity in Harris County’s justice system.
focus on
community
Jim’s mother is a retired registered nurse, and he has always believed that every citizen should have access to quality, affordable health care. He has dedicated both his time and financial support to advancing this goal. Jim served as Board Chair of the Montrose Clinic and later as Board Chair of Legacy Community Health, helping raise funds to build a state-of-the-art medical clinic in Montrose. In 2006, Legacy expanded its services to residents of the greater Fifth Ward through a collaboration with the City of Houston. Continuing its mission to provide quality health care to all, Legacy acquired CHRISTUS Health Clinic in 2010, serving Southwest Houston. Today, Legacy operates clinics in Sharpstown, Alief, Baytown, Deer Park, and the East End. In addition to his community work, Jim has served as a civil court judge, bringing fairness and dedication to the courtroom.
professional
memberships
Jim is licensed by the State Bar of Texas. He is also licensed to practice in the Federal Courts for the Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas, as well as the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Jim is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Commercial and Consumer Law Section of the State Bar, the Houston Bar Association, the Litigation Section of the Houston Bar Association, and the Harris County Democratic Lawyers. He has also been involved in the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program, demonstrating his commitment to public service and access to justice.
personal
life
Jim graduated from Kingwood High School in 1983, and his parents still reside in Kingwood, TX. He is the middle of five children. Jim lives near Memorial Park in Rice Military with his husband, Ben Montalbano, and their beloved 16-year-old dog, Roxie. They are active members of St. Anne’s Catholic Church.
An avid sports fan, Jim cheers for the Houston Texans, Rockets, and Astros. He enjoys playing softball in the Montrose Softball League and has completed the Houston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon.
