County Court at Law 3

Judge Juli A. Mathew is a proud American, devoted wife and mother, and a respected judge who believes deeply in faith, fairness, and personal responsibility. As the Presiding Judge of County Court at Law No. 3, she upholds the rule of law with integrity and compassion, overseeing a broad range of cases including criminal, juvenile, civil, mental health, probate, guardianship, and Justice of the Peace appeals.

Dedicated to protecting families and strengthening her community, Judge Mathew founded Fort Bend County’s first Juvenile Intervention and Mental Health (JIMHS) Court, the first in the State of Texas, a specialty court focused on accountability, rehabilitation, and restoring young lives. Through firm but compassionate guidance, she ensures that young people are held responsible while given the opportunity to turn their lives around.

Judge Mathew’s journey began at Penn State University and continued at Delaware Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctor. A proud immigrant from Kerala, India, and a longtime Fort Bend resident, she made history as the first Indian American woman elected to the bench in the United States and the first Asian American woman elected in Fort Bend County. Her story is one of perseverance, faith, and the American dream, proof that hard work and strong values can overcome any obstacle.

In addition to her judicial service, Judge Mathew has been a strong voice for accountability in government. She chairs the U.S. Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), has served on the Fort Bend County Bail Bond Committee, and is an active member of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ). She helps lead the Color of Justice Conference, encouraging young women and minorities to pursue careers of service rooted in integrity and dedication.

Judge Mathew’s community programs reflect her belief in open and responsive government. Through her Chai & Chat series, she brings local officials and residents together to promote transparency and shared problem solving. Her Kitchen to the Courthouse initiative inspires young women to dream big while reminding them that hard work and character matter most.

In 2023, Judge Mathew joined the University of Houston Law Center as an Adjunct Professor, teaching Professional Strategic Writing to law students preparing to enter the legal profession. A frequent keynote speaker, she has addressed the Juvenile Justice Conference, American Judges Association, and Texas Democratic Women, earning honors such as the NAACP Community Service Award, FOMAA Woman of the Year, and Outstanding Woman in Law from the South Indian U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Before taking the bench, Judge Mathew served as Associate Municipal Judge in Arcola, Texas, and practiced law for more than 15 years across Fort Bend and neighboring counties.

Above all, Judge Mathew is guided by her faith, family, and a steadfast belief in service. She strives to ensure that every person is treated with dignity, that justice is delivered with compassion, and that Fort Bend County remains a place where families can thrive and opportunity is earned.