About Leanne

Justice Leanne Johnson was appointed by Governor Perry to the 9th Court of Appeals. She is the first female to serve as a Justice on the 9th Court of Appeals. Before joining the Court, she was in private practice for 27 years.

Experience

Prior to joining the Court, she was a senior partner with Orgain, Bell and Tucker LLP, where she defended and advised businesses and individuals in complex litigation, trials, and appeals. She has been admitted to practice law in all Courts in Texas, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District courts for the Eastern and Southern District of Texas, and is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury Trial Law.

Education

• B.S. Degree in Political Science from Southern Arkansas University, magna cum laude, 1983
• J.D. degree in Law with High Honors (graduating in the top 5% of her class) from the University of Arkansas, 1986
• Served on the Law Review and Moot Court in law school
•  Following graduation from Law School, she served as a federal law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge, Nauman Scott

Community Activities

She has been active in the community. She has served on the Board for the Jefferson County Bar Association and has been a member of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel. She previously served as a board member of the Boy Scouts of America Three Rivers Council, the YMCA, and has volunteered and supported different charities in her community.

Family Background

Leanne’s family is originally from Joaquin, Texas.  Her mother was a teacher and her father served as a helicopter pilot in the United States Army until he died for our country in Vietnam.  Leanne is the youngest in a family where she learned the true meaning of courage and sacrifice at a young age.  She developed a strong work ethic and the determination to make her parents proud given the sacrifices they made. Determination and hard work helped her in College, in Law School, and throughout her career.

Endorsements and Recommendations Received in 2014

Texas Medical Association PAC (TEXPAC)

Texas Farm Bureau AGFUNND

Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC

Texas Civil Justice League PAC

Karen West -Former President Montgomery County Bar Association

Texas Patriots PAC

Montgomery County Tea Party

Michael Truncale – Former State Republican Executive Committee

Diane Bass

Walter and Madalyn Cooke

Nelda Blair