For Immediate Release

Attorney Trish Coleman Byars Appointed for the 97th District Court Judge

Wichita Falls, TX - 7/24/2023 - Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Attorney Trish Coleman Byars of Windthorst, Texas to serve as the 97th District Court Judge, replacing retired 97th District Court Judge Jack A. McGaughey.

Byars has practiced law for nearly 18 years, originally opening her general practice in Vernon before relocating to Wichita Falls, where she has practiced Family Law, Juvenile, Criminal, Civil Litigation, Contract, Business, Banking, Estate Planning, Probate, Guardianship, Real Estate, Oil and Gas, Municipal Law and Eminent Domain/Condemnation Law. Additionally, Byars has served as the City Attorney for Henrietta, Vernon, and Petrolia and served as County Attorney for Baylor County. Byars served as General Counsel for the Waggoner National Bank during the sale of the W.T. Waggoner Ranch.

Byars attended Midway ISD in Clay County and graduated in 1997. She graduated from Midwestern State University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Spanish. She completed additional studies at the University of Chihuahua, Mexico. Byars received her Juris Doctor in Law from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 2004.

Byars is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the State Bar of Texas Family Law Section, the Wichita County Bar Association, and the Tri-County Bar Association. In addition she is a member of the Wichita County Republican Women, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and Catholic Mother’s Society. She has served on the North Texas State Hospital Ethics Committee, YMCA Sports Committee, YMCA Coach, Red River Valley Museum Board of Directors, Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors, Humane Society Board of Directors, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Junior Service League, and Meals on Wheels Volunteer.

Attorney Trish Coleman Byars said, "I am unbelievably honored to be chosen by Governor Abbott to fill the remainder of the term of Judge McGaughey as 97th Judicial District Judge. First and foremost, I want to thank Judge McGaughey for his remarkable service to the citizens of Archer, Clay, and Montague Counties. Judge McGaughey is a true example of integrity and class, and I am honored to have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps.” 

She added, “I grew up in Clay County, graduated from Midway ISD and all of my family is from Archer County. My motivation for wanting this position is to serve the citizens of the district that I hold dear to my heart.  My husband and I are raising our family here and I want to ensure that the citizens of my district have faith in the judicial system. I believe that my extensive experience in both criminal and civil law makes me well-suited to the task. I am a strong Republican woman with strong conservative values. I believe in faith, family, and our constitution, and I will always work to uphold the principles it stands for.  I look forward to serving as the 97th District Judge and serving the constituents in all three counties.”