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Judge Laura Carter Higley
Justice, First Court of Appeals
Laura Carter Higley, a fifth generation Texan, was elected as Justice of the First Court of Appeals in November 2002; and during her first term on the Court has demonstrated a breadth of community experience, common sense and depth of legal knowledge that has enabled her to make a positive and lasting contribution to the Court. In the last four years alone, Justice Higley has authored 291 opinions and has participated in approximately 800 panel decisions on the merits.
Prior to her election, Justice Higley was Special Counsel in the Tax Department at Baker Botts, Houston's oldest law firm. Her practice focused on the areas of employment benefits and health care law.
No stranger to the political community, Laura was elected twice by the citizens of West University Place - once as a Council Member and Mayor Pro-Tem, and then as Mayor. While in office she reduced taxes, expanded city services, and increased citizen involvement in local government.
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Justice Higley was born and raised in Port Arthur. She received her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt, her masters from the University of Texas; and graduated among the top of her law class at the University of Houston - where she was selected as an associate editor of the Law Review.
Laura has served her community with distinction as Development Chair and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nehemiah Center, a faith-based community center initiated by First Presbyterian Church. Laura also served as a Director of the Children's Assessment Center and the Museum of Natural Science. Currently she serves as an elder of First Presbyterian Church, a director of the Houston Law Review Board of Directors and on the Advisory Board of Bo's Place. She is an active Rotarian and speaks regularly to local organizations and schools. Laura was awarded the Mayor's Award for Volunteer Service in recognition of her devotion to the community.
Laura is the daughter of Dr. L.C. Carter and Laura Lee Phillips Carter, who served Brazoria County as the first woman County Judge in the State of Texas. Laura and her husband Bob, have two sons, Garrett and Carter, a daughter-in-law, Jamil, and a granddaughter, Selah.
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