About Judge Dunson
About Judge Dunson
Linda Marie Dunson is the Presiding Judge of the 309 th Family District Court in Houston, Harris
County, Texas. Judge Dunson received her Juris Doctor from the Texas Southern University
Thurgood Marshall School of Law. As well, Judge Dunson holds an LL.M in Taxation from the
University of Houston Dedman Law Center. Additionally, Judge Dunson is a licensed U.S.
Customs Broker.
Linda M. Dunson began her legal career as a solo practitioner with a focus on family law.
Dunson’s expanding legal career includes being a former President of the Houston Lawyers
Association, receiving numerous awards and community recognitions including being named
President of the Year by the National Bar Association. Judge Dunson has published several
articles as well as being a co-author of 100 Successful Lawyers with Evangeline Mitchell.
Dunson has been a keynote speaker, participated in panel discussions and has been a presenter at
continuing legal education sessions. Dunson’s memberships encompass the Burta Rhoads
Raborn Inns of Court, National Association of Counsels for Children, Association of Women
Judges, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and National Judicial College
among others memberships. Judge Dunson sits on numerous Boards, including TMSL Alumni,
Youth Outdoor Unity, Stay Recruited, as well as Family Roots for Life.
The 309th District Court has been selected as one of six Trauma Informed Pilot Courts in Texas
by Texas Children’s Commission in conjunction with Texas Alliance for Child and Family
Services. Judge Dunson participates in several workgroups with Texas Children’s Commission-
Equity Workgroup, Capacity Workgroup and Trauma Informed Workgroup- which objectives
are to analyze, recognize and minimize the disparities in minority families being impacted by the
children protective services systems.
About the 309th District Court
The 309th Family District Court in Harris County is here to help families through some of life’s most important — and sometimes most difficult — moments. Our court handles:
- Divorce and separation – making sure property and responsibilities are divided fairly.
- Child custody and visitation – helping parents create safe and healthy plans for their children.
- Child and spousal support – setting support to meet the needs of children and families.
- Adoption – guiding families through the legal process of welcoming a child.
- Family safety – providing protective orders in situations involving family violence.
Our Accomplishements
As Presiding Judge of the 309th Family District Court, Judge Linda Marie Dunson has:
- Led one of only six Trauma-Informed Pilot Courts in Texas.
- Worked to reduce disparities in the child protective services system.
- Served the community through youth, education, and family organizations.
- Earned recognition as President of the Year by the National Bar Association.
- Shared her expertise as a speaker, author, and legal educator.
Every step has been guided by her commitment to fairness, compassion, and families first.