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Cindy Olson Bourland
Cindy Olson Bourland (Republican Party) was a judge for Place 2 of the Texas Third District Court of Appeals. She left office on December 31, 2018.
Olson Bourland (Republican Party) ran for re-election for the Place 2 judge of the Texas Third District Court of Appeals. She lost in the general election on November 6, 2018.
Olson Bourland completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2018. Click here to read the survey answers.
Education
Bourland received a bachelor's degree from Southwestern University and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.[1]
Career
- 2015 - Present: Justice, Third District Court of Appeals
- 2009-2015: Owner, Bourland Law Firm[1]
Elections
2018
General election
General election for Texas Third District Court of Appeals Place 2
Edward Smith defeated incumbent Cindy Olson Bourland in the general election for Texas Third District Court of Appeals Place 2 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Edward Smith (D) | 53.0 | 552,167 |
 | Cindy Olson Bourland (R)  | 47.0 | 489,191 | |
| Total votes: 1,041,358 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas Third District Court of Appeals Place 2
Edward Smith advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Third District Court of Appeals Place 2 on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Edward Smith |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Texas Third District Court of Appeals Place 2
Incumbent Cindy Olson Bourland advanced from the Republican primary for Texas Third District Court of Appeals Place 2 on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Cindy Olson Bourland |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2016
- Main article: Texas judicial elections, 2016
Bourland ran for election to the remainder of Rose's unexpired term in 2016. She was unopposed.[1][2]
Election results
November 8 general election
| Texas Third District Court of Appeals, Place 2, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Cindy Olson Bourland Incumbent (unopposed) |
100.00% | 623,948 | |
| Total Votes (100% reporting) | 623,948 | |||
| Source: Texas Secretary of State Official Results | ||||
March 1 primary election
| Texas Third District Court of Appeals, Seat 2, Republican Primary, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Cindy Olson Bourland Incumbent (unopposed) |
100.00% | 202,226 | |
| Total Votes (100% Reporting) | 202,226 | |||
| Source: Texas Secretary of State Official Results | ||||
Campaign themes
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Cindy Olson Bourland completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Olson Bourland's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
My three priorities are integrity, procedural fairness, and giving each appeal a careful, thorough review while still ensuring swift access to the courts. The Third Court of Appeals is an appellate court and we consider very complex cases that have statewide impact. I was appointed to the Court in 2015 and this is my first run for the full six year term. I was on the ballot in 2016 but did not draw an opponent. The Third Court of Appeals has led all other appellate courts in Texas three of the last five years in average number of opinions written per justice, with the highest percentage of cases affirmed by the Texas Supreme Court.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I am passionate about the scholarly and practical application of the law and the remarkable depth of guidance the constitution and case law offer to anyone who is a student of the law. I've had the honor of serving on the Third Court of Appeals for 3 years now and we hear incredibly complex appeals, both civil and criminal in nature. The Third Court is unique in that we hear almost all appeals relating to state agencies and the complex issues of state government. For more than 20 years prior to being appointed to the court, I worked in private practice with extensive experience in complex trial and appellate cases, with a focus on contract, non-competition, trademark, and e-commerce disputes. I've been able to draw upon that experience, which included representing clients in state and federal district courts, state courts of appeal, the Texas Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Primarily certain family members, especially my mom. I grew up on a ranch in Round Rock, and my grandfather was a Captain of the Texas Rangers. My late husband, Mike Bourland, was a DPS officer. My mom and dad both worked while I was growing up and I drew great inspiration from the way my mother worked all day and still handled all of the responsibilities and chores associated with being a parent, seemingly with ease. But I know now that none of that was easy. I also draw great inspiration from many fellow lawyers and judges, both female and male. From each, I have a deep appreciation of the law and the absolute dedication to protecting our rights and freedoms afforded to each of us as individuals under the law.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
The constitutions of our state and country are remarkable documents that inspire me and uphold the philosophy to establish justice and secure liberty for all. Our Texas Constitution, which is one of the longest constitutions of any state (maybe because we're Texas!), outlines our rights and explicitly provides for the separation of powers. It is not an easy document to read but is truly important to understanding our state's traditions.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
In short, doing it for the right reasons. An elected official should be hard-working, thorough, dedicated to service not power, honest, fair, and reasonable. A judge must also carefully and thoughtfully apply the law so that all people receive a fair and impartial hearing.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I have a very strong sense of service and fairness that helped lead me in my work and now helps guide me as one of your Justices on the Third Court of Appeals. I'm also recognized as being thorough, smart, and thoughtful, as well as having the background and experience necessary to handle the workload at the Court. These characteristics help me as we analyze the complex appeals that come before the Court and decide them according to the law.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
To handle these appeals with integrity, accuracy, and respect for the parties. We also must work as expeditiously as possible because very often people's lives, livelihoods, businesses, and families are at stake. The Third Court of Appeals has been recognized statewide as being one of the most productive courts and the court that is least likely to be reversed by the Texas Supreme Court.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I aspire to continually improve our justice system as well as instill and restore faith in the fair and just application of the rule of law. I also try to mentor and inspire young women to engage in leadership.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
While not the first historical event that I remember, one of the most impactful was September 11, 2001. I was 34 years old and had lost both my mother and husband to cancer just a few months before 9/11. I remember thinking that I was glad they did not have to witness that horror while they were so sick. I travelled to NYC a few months later and spent New Year's Eve on Times Square, along with thousands of other Americans who came there in support of the city. As the ball dropped at midnight, Times Square was blanketed with red, white, and blue ticker-tape and everyone had tears streaming down their faces. The patriotic support for NYC was palpable and that remains one of the most moving experiences of my life.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My first job was a camp counselor at a summer camp in Round Rock. I worked there from age 16 through college and taught swimming lessons for most of that time.
What happened on your most awkward date?
No specific example comes to mind but my parents always insisted that I drive when I went on dates in high school. They constantly worried about the possibility that I might be injured in a car wreck if someone else was driving... but they trusted my driving. So it was a bit awkward in the '80s picking my date up for prom.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
I love every holiday and go all out on decorating. If pressed, I would say Christmas because I host a big family party on Christmas Eve and we have many fun memories because of that annual tradition. In addition, I get to indulge my Griswold-like obsession with holiday lighting during December.
What is your favorite book? Why?
As an English literature major, I cannot pick a favorite! Even though I read all day at work, I also read at night to relax. One of many favorite books is "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole, primarily because of the back story relating to its author. It was published posthumously and won a Pulitzer.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Any character with a magical power to avoid Austin's traffic jams.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
The yard and animals. I have a great dane that is a constant source of amusement. I live on a few acres outside of Round Rock with a pond that attracts migratory birds, which are very peaceful to watch. I'm definitely a dog and horse person and enjoy the time I get to spend outdoors with them.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
"Like Red On a Rose" by Alan Jackson. I was driving back late at night from San Angelo recently and there was a radio station playing country hits from the mid-2000s, including that one.
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
As mentioned earlier, I lost my mother and husband in the same year to cancer. I was 34 at the time and they were the most important people in my life. My dad had died unexpectedly about two weeks before I graduated high school, so he had been gone for many years at that point. I was very grief-stricken but learned through that ordeal to be strong, to look at the big picture of life, and to be grateful for any amount of time that I have with loved ones.
How would you describe your legal philosophy?
My judicial philosophy is that judges must adhere to the rule of law rather than try to impose their personal or political agendas. Judges should apply the law consistently and never pick a winner or loser in a case based on arbitrary factors, such as who they like or dislike. It is critical to ensure consistent and fair rules and procedures within our court system so that all persons are treated equally under the law.
Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?
I admire Justice Neil Gorsuch, who serves on the U.S. Supreme Court. He seems to drill down into the details of the important cases that come before that Court and asks many questions of the lawyers. I have read that he has been a proponent of making legal opinions easier to read. I also believe that legal writing, such as the opinions we issue at the Third Court of Appeals, should avoid excess and complicated language when possible so that it can be easily understood by all parties involved.
Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?
Absolutely. I am a servant of the citizens of Texas and the 24 counties that comprise the Third Court's district. I never lose sight of the fact that each civil and criminal appeal we handle directly impacts someone's life.
Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this judicial position that you believe more people should be aware of?
People should be aware of the fact that the Third Court of Appeals issues opinions that have statewide impact and thus directly impacts their lives. Almost any profession or industry that is regulated by the state of Texas has its regulatory or administrative appeals heard by our Court. Almost any appeal that involves a state agency is heard by our Court. Cases involving issues such as utility rates, property rights, water rights, taxation, motor vehicles, new legislation, parental rights, custody issues... the list goes beyond the word limit here... are heard by the Third Court of Appeals. Suffice it to say that the Third Court directly impacts our way of life in Texas and it is very important to elect qualified, experienced judges to this Court.
Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?
I won the State Bar of Texas poll in this year's balloting, receiving more votes than my opponent. Voters often want to know how lawyers view the experience and qualifications of our state's judges, and I appreciate earning their confidence.
Do you believe that the Bar Association ratings are an accurate reflection of a judge's ability?
I believe those ratings are one of several assessments that could be considered. The OCA also assesses the productivity of Texas courts and I'm proud of the fact that the Third Court of Appeals has led all other appellate courts in Texas three of the last five years in average number of opinions written per justice. In addition, a statewide publication recently ranked the Third Court of Appeals as having the best record of any appellate court in Texas because we were least likely to be reversed by the Texas Supreme Court.
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I love the law and aspire to serve our state by continuing to do great work on this Court. I want to give each of the cases on our docket a thorough, fair, and impartial review to make sure there were no errors of law in the trial below.
If you are not a sitting judge, do you have previous judicial experience? Do you believe it's important to have that kind of experience for this judgeship?
I am a sitting Justice on the Third Court of Appeals.
Do you believe that it's beneficial for a judge to have previous experience in government or politics?
I believe it is more important that a judge have experience with the law, the courts, and the appellate process than government or politics. The complex cases we hear require a deep understanding of the law and appellate procedure.
What is your primary concern about today's legal system in your state?
I am concerned about the cost in Texas (and most states) of getting cases to trial, and the impact this can have on citizens' access to the courts. The Third Court has a pro bono appeals program and we encourage all lawyers to engage in pro bono representation if they are able to do so.
What do you consider the greatest opportunity for the legal system in your state?
A great opportunity that is already unfolding is the electronic filing of court documents. E-filing systems will continue to improve and will make access to court records easier for judges, lawyers, and parties.
Would you be interested in serving on a higher court in the future? If so, which court appeals to you?
It would be a tremendous honor to serve on the Texas Supreme Court one day. However, I currently have my hands full at my job on the Third Court of Appeals and am focused solely on continuing to do a great job in my present position.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
External links
Footnotes
Federal courts:
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas
State courts:
Texas Supreme Court • Texas Court of Appeals • Texas Court of Criminal Appeals • Texas District Courts • Texas County Courts • Texas County Courts at Law • Texas Statutory Probate Courts • Texas Justice of the Peace Courts
State resources:
Courts in Texas • Texas judicial elections • Judicial selection in Texas
