District Judge Reed Charles O’Connor officially assumed the position of chief judge for the Northern District of Texas on August 18, 2025. This appointment marks a significant milestone as O’Connor is the first judge from Fort Worth to hold this title in over five decades. The role of chief judge is pivotal for the court’s administration, overseeing case assignments and managing workloads, similar to a chief operating officer in a corporate setting.
The transition comes after U.S. District Judge David Godbey of Dallas stepped down from the chief judge position after nearly three years, moving to senior status. According to Bobby Ahdieh, dean of the Texas A&M School of Law, O’Connor’s appointment highlights Fort Worth’s importance within the judicial landscape of the Northern District.
Significance of the Appointment
O’Connor’s leadership role is particularly meaningful for the Fort Worth legal community. Dee Kelly Jr., a partner at the law firm Kelly Hart & Hallman, expressed that O’Connor’s appointment is a well-deserved honor for a respected judge known for his diligence. “The fact that Judge O’Connor calls Fort Worth home is a proud moment for all of us in the Tarrant County bar,” Kelly stated.
Legal professionals have praised O’Connor for his strong work ethic and preparedness. Richard Roper, a former U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas, highlighted O’Connor’s commitment to his responsibilities, noting, “He’s well prepared, reads the briefs and is available and willing to work to get the job done.”
The chief judge serves a term typically lasting seven years, with the role rotating among judges based on seniority and other factors. O’Connor’s ascent to the chief position underscores Fort Worth’s growing influence within the district, which encompasses seven divisions in north-central Texas, including Amarillo, Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, and Wichita Falls.
O’Connor’s Judicial Background
O’Connor, who is 60 years old, was nominated to the federal bench in 2007 by then-President George W. Bush. Prior to his judgeship, he spent nine years as a federal prosecutor in the Northern District of Texas and four years as a prosecutor at the Tarrant County district attorney’s office. His experience also includes significant roles in Washington, D.C., where he served as counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and as chief counsel to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship.
Over his career, O’Connor has addressed a variety of contentious political issues, ruling on cases related to the Affordable Care Act, gun control, and transgender rights. His court has been the venue for several lawsuits initiated by the state of Texas against the federal government, often resulting in rulings that align with the state’s interests on issues like health care and civil rights. Notably, he has also presided over complex cases with international implications, including a significant criminal case involving Boeing Co. concerning the 737 Max crashes.
O’Connor earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and his law degree from the South Texas College of Law in Houston. He has also been an active member of the Committee on the Judicial Branch of the Judicial Conference of the United States since 2009, contributing to the policymaking efforts for the federal judiciary.
In his personal life, O’Connor resides in Fort Worth with his wife, Tammy Herrin, and they have two grown daughters. As he steps into this new leadership role, the legal community and the residents of Fort Worth look forward to his influence and continued commitment to justice in the Northern District of Texas.