Meet Justice Chapa

Justice Luz Elena Chapa is a seasoned and respected jurist and former litigator who was first elected to the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals in 2012. She has authored nearly 750 opinions in her tenure while maintaining and managing an efficient docket. Texans across party lines agree she has the experience and integrity to continue serving us well on the Fourth Court of Appeals.

Justice Chapa's vast experience and love of public service prepared her well for service on the Fourth Court. Before law school she worked as a Congressional staffer in Washington, D.C., and later interned for then Chief Justice Alma L. López and several law firms during law school.

After receiving her Juris Doctorate, Justice Chapa worked in private practice in El Paso and Corpus Christi. Entrusted with high-stakes, complex litigation matters right out of law school, she proved herself an exceptional attorney.

In 2005, Justice Chapa returned to San Antonio and joined forces with her husband and fellow lawyer, Miguel Chapa, to start a new law practice concentrating in products liability litigation.

As a litigator, Justice Chapa practiced on both sides of the civil docket in counties across Texas, earning a reputation for integrity, toughness and fairness.

Justice Chapa is a Texas Bar Foundation Life Fellow, a San Antonio Bar Foundation Fellow, an American Inns of Court member, and a 2014 inductee to the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame. In addition to her service on the bench, Justice Chapa volunteers her time to mentor young people at the Healy Murphy Center, where she serves as Vice President of the Board. She also serves on the boards of the St. Mary's Law Alumni Association, St. Mary's Hispanic Law Alumni Association, Clarity Child Guidance Center, and as President of the board of Guardian House. She also served on the board of The Children's Ballet of San Antonio. She is a proud member of IMPACT San Antonio and is an official advocate for 1in5Minds – a campaign launched by Clarity to raise awareness about children's mental health needs in our community. Overall, Justice Chapa has lent her voice without hesitation for the benefit of our children.

Justice Chapa earned her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from St. Mary's University in San Antonio. She and Miguel, her husband of 15 years, are the proud parents of 3 children.

Community Engagement

  • San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame, 2014 Inductee
  • Mexican American Bar Association-San Antonio, 2015 Community Leadership Award
  • Guardian House, Board President (2016-present); (Board Vice President, 2013-2015)
  • Healy Murphy Center, Board Vice President and Mentor (2012-present)
  • St. Mary's University Law Alumni Association, Board Member (2013-present)
  • 1in5Minds for Clarity Child Guidance Center, Official Advocate (2013-present)
  • Clarity Child Guidance Center, Board Member (2016-present)
  • The Children's Ballet of San Antonio, Board Member (2015-2017)
  • St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, Parishioner
  • Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Former Parishioner & Faith Formation Teacher (2013-2014)
  • Saint Mary's Hall, Parents' Association Board (2009-2012), Family Connections Chair (2011-2012) and Volunteer (2008-present)
  • The Guardian Angel Luncheon benefitting Guardian House, Chair, (2015 & 2016)
  • Southwest School of Art, 2011, 2015, and 2017 Gala Committee Member
  • Rey Feo Scholarship Fund, Campaign for Walter Serna, Friends of the Court & Committee Member

    • Paid for and authorized by the Luz Elena Chapa Campaign, in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act
    Chief Justice (Ret.) Alma L. López, Treasurer. P.O. Box 460053 • San Antonio, Texas 78246