Today we’d like to introduce you to Judge Kali Morgan.
Hi Judge Morgan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up, I always thought that I would become a teacher. Playing “school” with my friends (and even my dolls) was one of my favorite activities. However, as the years progressed, I found myself becoming more and more interested in learning about the government, our laws, and why things worked the way they did. People would often tell me, “You should be a lawyer,” because of my inquisitive and often outspoken nature. Well, I guess a seed was planted without me even knowing it, because I suddenly shifted gears and decided to go to law school instead of becoming a teacher.
I knew right away that I would practice family law. After graduating from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, I started a family law practice where I provided low-cost and pro-bono legal services to people with cases in family court who could not otherwise afford an attorney. I was able to help my clients and gain experience navigating a system that at times seemed impossible to figure out. After several years in private practice, I accepted a position with the State of Texas as a trial attorney, and then as a Regional Attorney for the Department of Family and Protective Services. Working in child protection courts across the region opened my eyes to additional issues plaguing our families and children, and after nearly a decade, I knew that I had to do more. In fact, I truly believe that I was called to do more. In the fall of 2019, I decided to run for judge of the 505th Family District Court in Fort Bend County. On November 3, 2020, I was elected to office.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to becoming a judge was definitely not smooth, but I never expected it to be. I heard all of the horror stories associated with running for public office, but my heart told me that it was time. Running for office is expensive, and time-consuming, and it can be draining physically, mentally, and emotionally. I have three young children and I was away from them a lot. That was hard because they are used to mommy always being there. I was also working full-time, so to say I was stretched is an understatement. Fortunately, I have a very supportive husband who picked up the slack, but being away from my house and my family so much definitely wasn’t easy. Not to mention, politics is everything you thought it was x 10!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have devoted my career to public service. I did not run for office for a title. I ran to make a difference and to “be the change” that our court system needed. My team and I work hard every day to ensure that the 505th is a court where people are respected, treated fairly and where the law is followed and applied equally. The 505th is accessible, efficient, and responsive. I am proud of the work that we are doing for Fort Bend County families.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
That I’m actually down-to-earth and have a sense of humor. I have a very serious job, so people don’t often get to see that side of me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.judgemorgan.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/judgekalimorgan
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/JudgeKaliMorgan
