Judge Russell Austin died. For those in the legal community and the local law schools, this is big news. I had Judge Austin for a Wills, Trusts, and Estates class and he was really cool and funny. This email was sent out by a Probate Judge in Travis County. Judge Russell Austin suffered a massive stroke this weekend and is not expected to survive. It is my understanding that he is on life support which will be removed once his son from Colorado arrives to visit him in Houston. May all our thoughts be with him and his family. Judge Austin was a great judge who served his constituents well. I was in Judge Austin's office last week to talk about my grade. He was taking the fall off to go to China to see the Olympic games and was really excited about it. He said that his back was hurting because of a slipped disk but that he was getting it worked on and he should be moving around normally really soon. He was reading me a case about legal malpractice and was joking about what a bonehead the attorney was. I can't believe he won't be around the courthouse and South Texas any more.
We're losing a good judge if that's the case. Sorry to hear it. Haven't heard a whisper about this yet in the media or otherwise.
I'm hearing he died overnight. My associate has a case on his docket this morning, and she knew him very well.
damn, that sucks! he's a friend of my father's and actually offered me an internship to work for him while i was in college... couldn't take it b/c it wasn't a paid internship and i really needed some extra money that year.
It has been confirmed by the school and the court. On Behalf of the Probate, Trusts and Estates Council: It is with deep sadness that the Probate, Trusts and Estates Council regrets to inform you that Honorable Russell P. Austin, Judge of Harris County Probate Court No. 1, passed away on June 23, 2008. Judge Austin had suffered a massive stroke over the weekend. He had served as the Judge of Harris County Probate Court No. 1 since 1995 following a long career specializing in probate and real estate law. He held multiple degrees from the University of Houston including his Doctor of Jurisprudence. Judge Austin was a frequent speaker and author and also served as an Adjunct Professor to the South Texas College of Law. He leaves behind one son and many friends. Funeral arrangements are pending.
