Justice Harriet O’Neill retired from the Supreme Court of Texas in June 2010, after serving nearly 12 years on the state’s highest appellate court for civil matters. From 1992 to 1998, she served on both the trial court and the intermediate court of appeals in Houston, following more than a decade of experience in complex business and commercial litigation. In her tenure on the bench, Justice O’Neill earned widespread recognition as a legal scholar, author and lecturer, and highly respected jurist. She also leveraged her strategic planning and management expertise to address complex public policy challenges and lead systemic judicial reforms. A two-time recipient of the Appellate Justice of the Year award and honored with numerous service accolades, she was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame.
Following her retirement from the judiciary, Justice O’Neill established the Law Office of Harriet O’Neill, PC, where she continues to advocate before courts in Texas and across the nation and serves as an arbitrator.
In a recent conversation, Harriet reflected on her years of judicial service, her transition to private practice, and how that experience now informs her work as an arbitrator and mediator with the AAA®. Here's what she shared with us.
Q: Can you tell us about your judicial background—where you served, the types of cases you presided over, how many years you were on the bench, and any accomplishments or moments you’re particularly proud of?
Harriet: During my 18 years in the Texas judiciary, I served on the trial court, the intermediate appellate court, and the Texas Supreme Court, where I spent nearly 12 years before retiring in 2010. My work focused almost entirely on civil matters. In Harris County’s specialized trial courts, I handled only civil cases. While the 14th Court of Appeals included criminal jurisdiction, my Supreme Court service returned me exclusively to civil law. The Texas Supreme Court is unique in handling only civil cases, while criminal appeals are directed to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Our docket covered a broad spectrum, including business disputes, constitutional issues, energy law, regulatory matters, intellectual property, personal injury, fiduciary duties, insurance, jurisdiction, family law, and contracts. I was honored twice as Appellate Judge of the Year by the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists. I also founded and chaired the Supreme Court’s Children’s Commission, a nationally recognized model for improving the child welfare system.
Q: What led you to transition from the bench to arbitration and mediation work with the AAA?
Harriet: After nearly two decades on the bench, I felt a strong pull back to my roots in private practice. My judicial experience has been invaluable in this stage of my legal career. Now practicing before both trial and appellate courts, I have a renewed understanding and appreciation for the role of the advocate.
Q: What do you value most about serving as an arbitrator or mediator with the AAA?
Harriet: In my experience, the AAA is best in class—offering invaluable resources, training, and support to its neutrals while staying at the forefront of technology. Its processes are user-friendly, and its professional staff is exceptional.
Q: How does your experience as a judge shape your approach as a neutral in ADR proceedings?
Harriet: Having presided over cases at all three levels of Texas’s judiciary, I bring extensive experience in case management, with a keen ability to identify key issues and tailor discovery to the needs of each case. My appellate background has sharpened my award-writing skills. I remain mindful of the importance of keeping an open mind until all evidence is presented and the law thoroughly considered. Above all, no skill is more essential than listening.
Q: What advice would you give to parties or advocates preparing for arbitration or mediation?
Harriet: Work in good faith with opposing parties to reach agreements before seeking the arbitrator’s intervention—no one knows your case better than you, so take every opportunity to craft your own solutions. Be transparent with both the other side and the arbitrator—credibility is paramount. And above all, be thoroughly prepared.