Jennifer Dillingham, 81st Judicial District Judge

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day.

🇺🇸We adopted our nation's flag to symbolize independence and freedom on June 14th, 1777.

🇺🇸Today and every day, we celebrate and honor everything for which it stands.

06/12/2026

I am deeply honored to have been recognized with the 2026 Texas Tech University School of Law Rising Star Alumni Award at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting - Texas Tech Reception.

Texas Tech School of Law played a significant role in shaping my legal career by further developing the values of service, professionalism, and dedication to the rule of law that I hold close.

This award reflects not only my efforts but also the support and mentorship of so many people along the way. The professors, colleagues, and friends I have had the privilege of working alongside that are Red Raiders are incredible and I am so excited our oldest will soon be a Red Raider!

I am grateful to Texas Tech University School of Law for this recognition and proud to be part of the Red Raider legal community. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Texas and to giving back to the profession that has given me so much.

I am honored to serve the 81st Judicial District and hope to do so for many years in the future!

Wreck ’Em, Tech! ❤️🖤⚖️

06/05/2026

We all need to be on alert.

First confirmed U.S. case of New World Screwworm found today in a calf in Zavala County, about 100 miles southwest of San Antonio.

We are working with the Texas Animal Health Commission, U.S. Department of Agriculture and partners statewide to respond.

Early detection is critical and it is important to report suspected infestation in live animals

Get details on this case, how to report potential infestations, and what to watch for at screwworm.gov

***
Hoy se confirmó el primer caso en los Estados Unidos del gusano barrenador del Nuevo Mundo, hallado en un becerro en el condado de Zavala, a unas 100 millas al suroeste de San Antonio.

Estamos trabajando en colaboración con la Comisión de Salud Animal de Texas, el USDA y socios en todo el estado para dar respuesta a la situación.

La detección temprana es fundamental, y es importante reportar cualquier sospecha de infestación en animales vivos.

Obtenga detalles sobre este caso, cómo reportar posibles infestaciones y qué señales buscar en screwworm.gov

06/03/2026

It’s 6:22 p.m., and we’re just clocking out.

It’s been a long day, but it’s always a good day when everyone works together as a team to ensure that every case is heard. The work of the court doesn’t happen because of one person….it takes dedicated clerks, attorneys, bailiffs, one very tired court reporter, and many others working together to keep the wheels of justice moving.

The outcome of a case is not always what people want or expect. That is the nature of our legal system. But my hope is that every litigant who comes before the 81st Judicial District Court leaves knowing that they were treated with respect and that their case mattered.

Thankful for the opportunity to serve the people of the 81st Judicial District.

….now to drive home for 1.3 hours. 🚘

05/26/2026

I routinely early vote but this runoff time got away with end of school and graduation obligations ….so it was the first thing to do on my list today. Whether you early vote or vote on Election Day, your vote matters. It took me about 5 minutes including the check in. Those 5 minutes are important to our country, our state, our district and our homes.

Take the time. Your vote is your voice.

I am so thankful I have the opportunity to cast mine.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a day of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted.

We remember the fallen, honor their courage, and hold close the families who carry their memory every day. May we never forget the cost of freedom or the legacy left behind by those who served with honor.

Freedom is not free.

05/15/2026

Last day of learning before heading back for a busy circuit week. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

05/15/2026

I was able to attend my home Region B Judicial Conference and speak again on competency. It’s been a great conference so far and looking forward to more learning tomorrow. I enjoy all the helpful information and opportunities to collaborate and help keep making our court a more efficient and better place to work.

I also stumbled upon this awesome parrot in the hotel lobby this evening. I sent this picture to my kids and they thought it was pretty great so I thought I would share instead of a conference photo. 😎

05/10/2026

I’m thankful God gave me the opportunity to be called “Mom” - even if sometimes it’s “Mom, Mom, Mom, Mooooooooooooom….”

💐♥️💐♥️💐♥️💐

05/07/2026

It was also so nice today to be able to collaborate with my fellow judges across the District and neighboring areas at the Texas Center for Judiciary DWI Summit in Floresville. Judge Hartmann was gracious enough to host — and I am thankful for the opportunity to help the DWI Curriculum committee! It’s encouraging to be able to hear that the issues you run into are issues that other judges share and it’s great to find the tools together to make sure we are all working to make our communities safer and providing better access to justice for all.

Thank you to all who attended! Thank you, Judges for your excellence presentations! Texas Center Traffic Safety Grant Program & Holly for all you do always!