Eighth Court of Appeals
Chief Justice Salas Mendoza began her legal career at the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law in south Los Angeles, where she trained volunteer lawyers and students to assist low-income clients representing themselves in family law matters. She also led Spanish-language clinics for clients in east Los Angeles communities. Upon returning to El Paso in 1996, Chief Salas worked as a staff attorney at the El Paso Legal Assistance Society (later TRLA). From 1999-2006, she served as an Assistant County Attorney focusing on civil defense work.
In 2006, Chief Salas was elected judge of the 120th District Court where she served with distinction for 18 years. Born and raised in El Paso, she attended Harvard-Radcliffe College earning a bachelor’s degree (cum laude) in History and Literature. She then received her Juris Doctor from the UCLA School of Law.
Chief Salas is chair of the Hispanic Issues Section, immediate past president and founder of Texas Latinx Judges, and former District 11 Director of the National Association of Women Judges. She also serves on the Supreme Court Advisory Committee, Pattern Jury Charge Committee (Business) and ABA Standing Committee on Diversity in the Judiciary. In addition to Hispanic Issues, Chief Salas served on the councils of the Judicial, Women and the Law, and Criminal Justice sections. Chief Salas Mendoza’s dedication to community service includes numerous programs serving students of all ages, veterans, the unhomed and justice-involved members of our community; most recently her efforts include service through her local Lions Club.
She is the proud mother of Michael, Austin, Melina and Dillon.