Fourth Court of Appeals
Chief Justice Rebeca Martinez
Place 1
Chief Justice Rebeca C. Martinez is the proud daughter of a Vietnam War Veteran and his wife of over 60 years. She was raised on military bases all around the country for most of her childhood. She graduated high school with honors from Incarnate Word Academy in Corpus Christi, Texas, as a University Scholar with dual degrees from Southern Methodist... Read more
Justice Irene Rios
Place 6
Justice Irene Rios was elected to Place 6 on the Fourth Court of Appeals in 2016. Justice Rios graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1990. In 1999, she was appointed by the Bexar County Commissioners Court as Judge of Bexar County, County Court at Law No. 10, where she served for 14 years. As a trial judge, Justice... Read more
Justice Lori I. Valenzuela
Place 7
Justice Lori I. Valenzuela was the former judge of the 437th Criminal District Court where she presided from 2009 until she was appointed to the 4th Court of Appeals in January 2021. Raised in a military family, she takes great pride in co-founding and presiding over a Felony Veteran’s Treatment Court while serving as a trial judge. Prior to her... Read more
Justice Lori Massey Brissette
Place 4
Justice Lori Massey Brissette was appointed to serve on the Fourth Court of Appeals by Governor Abbott effective July 8, 2024 to fulfill the term left open by Justice Patricia Alvarez’s retirement. Formerly, she was a Judge of the 288th District Court, first appointed by Governor Perry and then elected twice by the people of Bexar County. Justice Brissette obtained her... Read more
Justice Adrian A. Spears, II
Place 5
Adrian Spears is a 3rd generation Texan who grew up in a family of lawyers and judges which instilled in him a deep respect for the law and an understanding of how it can be used to serve the public good, and a passion for the practice of law. Mr. Spears dedicated his life to public service and his career is... Read more