GUEST SPEAKERS 2026

FORMER TEXAS SUPREME COURT JUSTICE EVA GUZMAN

Eva Guzman is a former Texas Supreme Court Justice who, in 2009, made history as the first Latina to serve in the position. Justice Guzman grew up in Houston’s East End to hard-working immigrant parents possessing only a sixth grade education. Her parents cherished their American citizenship and focused their children on faith, family, and education.

A family of nine meant sacrifices and overcoming adversity. Justice Guzman worked multiple jobs to finance her dream of going to college and graduated from the University of Houston and the South Texas College of Law. She married a Houston police officer, raised a family, and ran her own law practice until becoming a judge in 1999. Over the next 22 years she served at three levels of the Texas judiciary, half that time as a Justice on the Supreme Court of Texas. Justice Guzman’s life experiences have given her unique insights into understanding the struggles of low-income families navigating life’s problems without meaningful access to justice. Justice Guzman now dedicates herself to defending the protections the law affords in safeguarding our liberties.

ATTORNEY-AT-LAW JAMES STAFFORD

James Stafford has won hundreds of cases in federal and state courts throughout the United States with numerous dismissals and acquittals in homicide and drug cases, and has been successful in white-collar defense.

Stafford, a native of Ft. Worth, received degrees from Texas Christian University and South Texas College of Law. With energy, intelligence and strong courtroom skills, Stafford makes favorable impressions on juries and judges alike by being resourceful in creating and exploring legal defenses.  Known for standing up for his client’s rights, his reputation as a lawyer willing to go to trial, positions him well to secure favorable arguments, dismissals or acquittals for his clients.

In addition, Stafford excels in behind-the-scenes preparation for trial with thorough research and investigation, and is a scholar of legal history and legislation.

Most recently, Stafford went viral for challenging a Houston civil court judge to apologize after the judge was recorded rudely berating a court IT worker. Stafford's stand for civility led the judge to order him to appear in court, a move that prompted widespread support for Stafford from the local legal community.

With a special invocation by Deacon Frank B. Ashley III, Ed.D. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish