Court Rules

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 106 rules apply across Williamson County District Courts. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 70
  • Attorneys should ensure that applicable travel policies are followed.

  • Attorneys should review invoices for expert or investigative services and ensure that appropriate supporting documentation is included.

  • Attorneys must monitor the authorized use of funds and should not approve services exceeding the authorized amount.

Service

All 11
  • Before presenting a TRO or other request for relief, the attorney must notify the represented opposing attorney and provide copies of the pleadings and proposed order.

  • Notice of a dismissal-docket setting must be transmitted to every attorney of record and every self-represented party.

  • Required
    Always

    The party or attorney setting a case must give notice to opposing counsel in accordance with the Rules of Civil Procedure.

Filing Timing

All 7
  • An attorney's written vacation designation must be filed with the Clerk and copies provided to all Court Administrators at least 90 days before the vacation.

  • Unless the court orders otherwise, decisions and announced settlements must be reduced to writing and submitted to the court for signature within 30 days after the order is rendered or the settlement is announced.

  • Applies to
    Motion to avoid adr

    A motion to avoid ADR should be filed with the court, with a hearing held at least 60 days before trial.

Fees

All 4
  • Applies to
    Hourly fee compensation form

    An attorney submitting an hourly-fee compensation form must attach detailed invoices and, when the request exceeds the cap, a copy of the court’s authorization.

  • Applies to
    Expense payment request

    An expense-payment request must include the court’s authorization and detailed invoices identifying applicable hours and services.

  • Applies to
    Attorney compensation

    Hourly work is compensated at $155 per hour, subject to a $7,500 cap per case.

About Judge Terence M. Davis

- **Appointed:** Terence M. Davis was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in September of 2024 to serve as the second judge of the 480th District Court - **Education:** earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University - **Education:** received his law degree from St. Mary's Law School, where he graduated with honors - **Prior position:** began his legal career as an associate with Fulbright & Jaworski LLP in San Antonio, then practiced with his father, Terry Davis, in Leander - **Prior position:** co-founded the Brown & Davis Law Firm, with his cousin, Lawrence Brown, and in 2009 founded the Davis Law Firm - **Certification:** In 2014, he became board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization - **Born and raised:** Judge Davis was born in Youngstown, Ohio, but he has lived in Texas since 1972

- **Court:** 480th District Court - **Physical Address:** 405 MLK Street, Georgetown, TX 78626 - **Court Administrator:** Shirley Pogue - **Court Reporter:** Steven Stogel

Common questions about Judge Terence M. Davis's rules

Does Judge Terence M. Davis require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Terence M. Davis's rules set a pre-motion procedure for summary judgment. A summary judgment hearing may be scheduled online for up to one hour, subject to the Docket Control Order and the TRCP.

View ruleSource: page 5, section SUMMARY JUDGMENT

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Terence M. Davis?

Judge Terence M. Davis' formatting rule includes file format paper, provide one paper copy of exhibits intended for use at trial., plaintiffs or petitioners should use a white exhibit binder., and defendants or respondents should use a black binder.. Attorneys should provide one paper copy of trial exhibits, with plaintiffs or petitioners using a white exhibit binder and defendants or respondents using a black binder.

View ruleSource: page 4, section PRE-TRIAL HEARINGS

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Terence M. Davis?

The rule requires proposed order. A proposed order for a motion to withdraw must include signatures indicating agreement and list all upcoming hearing dates and settings.

View ruleSource: page 5, section MOTION TO WITHDRAW

What must be included with motion to withdraw filings before Judge Terence M. Davis?

The rule requires proposed order. When a motion to withdraw is opposed, both parties must file their respective motions, objections or responses, and proposed orders, and set the matter for a hearing.

View ruleSource: page 5, section MOTION TO WITHDRAW

How may parties contact Judge Terence M. Davis' chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Terence M. Davis' clerk. The rule lists email Shirley.Pogue@wilcotx.gov. The court permits communication only by email through Shirley Pogue at the listed address.

View ruleSource: page 1, section GENERAL INFORMATION — 1. Contacting the Court

What rule applies to service by email for all parties before Judge Terence M. Davis?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: method: service by email, recipient: all parties, timing: before hearing. A proponent of virtual testimony must email written notice to all parties, counsel, and Shirley Pogue at least seven days before the hearing, identifying the virtual witnesses and confirming the proponent understands the conditions.

View ruleSource: page 6, section VIRTUAL TESTIMONY
Complete rules summary for Judge Terence M. Davis

A proposed order for a motion to withdraw must include signatures indicating agreement and list all upcoming hearing dates and settings.

When a motion to withdraw is opposed, both parties must file their respective motions, objections or responses, and proposed orders, and set the matter for a hearing.

The court permits communication only by email through Shirley Pogue at the listed address.

Every proposed order must be submitted as a stand-alone filing rather than attached to a motion.

The clerk notifies the court of a proposed order when the stand-alone order is filed, not when the related motion is filed.

Parties should contact Shirley Pogue when they cannot agree on a hearing schedule.

Transcript requests should be emailed to Steven Stogel at the stated address.

Counsel should bring a proposed order supporting the relief requested.

The parties must provide the court with a paper copy or upload of the proposed disposition of issues.

A proposed support decision is required whenever child support or spousal support is involved.

Every docket control order must be filed as a stand-alone proposed order.

A continuance motion should be filed with a stand-alone proposed order.

Every motion should include a certificate of conference.

Every proposed order should contain a blank for the reset date.

Attorneys should provide one paper copy of trial exhibits, with plaintiffs or petitioners using a white exhibit binder and defendants or respondents using a black binder.

A summary judgment hearing may be scheduled online for up to one hour, subject to the Docket Control Order and the TRCP.

A motion to withdraw as counsel should be filed with a proposed order.

A motion to withdraw must include a certificate of conference stating whether the client and opposing party oppose or agree and identifying upcoming hearings or deadlines.

Exhibits intended for use at a hearing must be uploaded through the Court’s website using its link and instructions.

Questions about exhibits may be emailed to Steven Stogel at the stated address.

Highlighted case law intended to support a motion should be uploaded through the Court’s requested-documents portal, with the opposing party included on the form where requested.

A proponent of virtual testimony must email written notice to all parties, counsel, and Shirley Pogue at least seven days before the hearing, identifying the virtual witnesses and confirming the proponent understands the conditions.

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