From Grass to Grace - A Journey from Homelessness to the Court of Appeals

In this episode of Conversations from the Hill Country, host Adam West has an in-depth talk with the inspiring Maggie Ellis, a Democratic candidate for the Third Court of Appeals, place two. Maggie's personal tale is one of perseverance and triumph over adversity, having gone from a life of poverty and homelessness to being a prominent attorney and defender of children's and families' rights.

Maggie recounts her diverse career in law, which includes roles as a private practitioner, Travis County prosecutor, and administrative law judge, and how her own experiences add a unique perspective to her role in court. Ellis, the sole woman in Texas to have national certification in child welfare law while also being state-board certified in juvenile law, primarily works with children in the CPS and juvenile systems.

Further discussions revolve around Maggie’s childhood marked by instability, homelessness, and maternal abandonment, and how she rose above it all, becoming an educator, a foster mother, and eventually achieving a law degree at age 40 to assist those in comparable circumstances.

The dialogue provides a fascinating deep dive into the workings of the Court of Appeals and a judge's responsibilities, as well as the differences between Supreme Courts on a national and state level, the intricacies of various stages of appeal, and the intersection of politics and law.

The episode also highlights some important cases including Lawrence v Texas and Roe v. Wade, showcasing her profound understanding of the legal framework. Maggie shares her active participation in charities and nonprofits, explains her campaign tactics, comparisons with her competitor Justice Edward Smith and her concept of efficient justice delivery.

The conversation rounds up with Maggie underscoring the significance of every vote in the forthcoming runoff election, reflecting her unwavering commitment to public service and her persistent quest for justice and positive transformation in the court system.