Following the American DreamDonna’s family background is a true American success story. Her grandparents arrived through Ellis Island in New York City from Ireland and Italy in the early 1900s.

Donna’s father was a mechanic, her mother a hairdresser and later a manicurist.  Donna was the first in her family to obtain a high school diploma.  However, there was no money for college.  Donna went to work, full-time as a secretary, often working three jobs at a time to save her money to attend college.  After six years she was able to quit working and enroll full-time at the local community college.  Donna finished college graduating from St. John’s University in May, 1983.

Unable to afford to go directly to law school, Donna went back to full-time work and a second night job in order to save enough money for law school.  In September 1984, after working one year, Donna was able to enroll at St. John’s University Law School, part-time, at night.  Donna completed her law school education at South Texas College of Law in May 1987, graduating in the top 10 percent of her class.  The oldest of 18 grandchildren, Donna is the first and only member in her family with a post graduate degree.

Donna began practicing law in September 1987 with a civil litigation firm in downtown Houston, becoming a partner at Thurlow, Roth and Garriga P.C. in January 1993. During her 23 years practicing law in Harris County, she has settled hundreds of cases in mediation and through negotiation.  Donna has extensive first chair jury trial experience in exactly the types of cases that typically come before the 334th Civil District Court.

A Defining MomentDonna’s fast-track legal career took an about face in 1992 when
her only child, Andrea, was diagnosed with kidney cancer.  Although
Andrea beat the odds and today is an active senior at Baylor University, the experience was life changing for Donna.  Her daughter’s brush with death caused Donna to reflect on her career goals and priorities. The possibility of serving on the bench combined her passion for service with her strong belief in the judicial system.

Donna ran a successful primary campaign for Judge in 1994, but Donna lost in the general election that year that saw only one Democrat Judicial candidate elected (out of 59 Judicial seats on the ballot that year). 

Once again, Donna picked herself up and kept moving forward by establishing her own law firm in 1995.  For the last 14 years, Donna has built her reputation and experience by practicing civil litigation and family law.   “My practice has given me a broad base of experience to serve on the bench and allows me to give back to the people of Harris County,” she says.

A Privilege to ServeBacked by a belief that justice and fair play are the fundamental values of the United States and Texas Constitutions, Donna is running for Judge of the 334th Civil District Court. “I believe in the rule of law and ensuring that each case which comes before the court is presided over with integrity, accountability and equality. It would be an honor and privilege to serve on the bench,” she says.

Donna believes in giving back to the community. She serves as a moot court/mock trial judge for students at South Texas College of Law and provides pro bono legal services to abused women.  She also provided pro bono legal services for Hurricane Ike victims, and in 2008 volunteered her time to the Harris County Democratic Party as election day legal counsel.

Her spirit of volunteerism has been passed on to her daughter, Andrea.  Andrea is a senior at Baylor University and regularly volunteers at Texas Children’s Hospital, is a member of the Harris County Young Democrats and serves as campaign treasurer for her mother’s judicial campaign.  Donna and Andrea live in Houston with their dogs, Max and Mercury.