The Third Court of Appeals
The Third Court of Appeals is one of the most powerful courts in Texas, with a challenging and diverse case docket. The Court hears appeals of complex civil lawsuits and criminal prosecutions from 24 counties in Central and West Texas. Plus, because it covers Austin, about half of the Third Court’s work involves sophisticated, high-stakes appeals involving Texas state government and its many regulatory agencies.
The Third Court is the final word on approximately 90-95% of the cases it hears. Only the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals are higher in the appeals process.
The Third Court of Appeals serves the following counties:

- Bastrop
- Bell
- Blanco
- Burnet
- Caldwell
- Coke
- Comal
- Concho
- Fayette
- Hays
- Irion
- Lampasas
- Lee
- Llano
- McCulloch
- Milam
- Mills
- Runnels
- San Saba
- Schleicher
- Sterling
- Tom Green
- Travis
- Williamson
Justice Pemberton is honored to serve this vast district, where his family, civic and professional roots are generations deep.