Sylvia Matthews is a problem solver who views each dispute as one that deserves resolution.  With more than ten years of experience as a trial judge and more than 20 years as a litigator in private practice, Sylvia has the experience to help the parties reach resolution through mediation, or through arbitration. 

 

Experience:

• Judge of the 281st District Court for over 10 years

  • Presided over more than 175 jury trials and 160 bench trials

  • Elected by her fellow civil judges to serve for two years as the Administrative Judge of the Board of Civil District Judges

• Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association

• Visiting Judge, continues to serve as a vising judge across the state of Texas

• MDL Judge, appointed to preside over four statewide multi-district litigation involving over 1000 cases related to alleged underpayment of insurance claims (including two MDLs in which a panel of three judges presides)

• Former litigation partner at Andrews Kurth LLP (now Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP)

• Board certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

• Past President, Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists ("TACTAS")

 

Honors:

• Recipient of 2018 HBA President’s Award for exemplary service and leadership through Hurricane Harvey

• Recipient of 2017 HBA President’s Award for outstanding service as co-chair of the Administration of Justice Committee

 

Education:

• J.D., The University of South Carolina School of Law. Member of the Law Review, the Moot Court Bar, and the National Moot Court Team

• B.S., cum laude, The College of Charleston (mathematics)

 

Personal: 

Married to Murray Fogler.

Enjoys theater, architecture, running, and spending time with her husband and family.