Ted Wood has been an assistant public defender since 2015.  He handles legislative matters for the Harris County Public Defender’s Office and has testified before the Texas Legislature numerous times.

In his capacity as an assistant public defender, Ted has written and filed over 200 briefs and related documents in the Texas appellate courts.  He has orally argued appeals before the First and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Before coming to Harris County, Ted worked for the General Counsel at the Texas Office of Court Administration (OCA) in Austin.  The OCA is the administrative arm of the Texas Court system.  There he drafted standardized forms, statutes, and rules – including the initial rules authorizing e-filing in Texas.  He was a frequent instructor for justices of the peace and municipal judges as well as for district and county clerks.

In 1994, Ted was elected as Randall County Judge.  (This is the same type of position as that currently held by Lina Hidalgo – and previously held by Ed Emmett – in Harris County.)  He served in that position until 2002.  As the county judge, Ted was the lead member of the county commissioners court.  In addition to dealing with budgets, taxes, and county administration, Ted presided over probate matters, guardianships, mental commitments, and juvenile cases.

Ted’s initial job after law school was with the Seventh Court of Appeals in Texas.  He served as a briefing attorney for Justice H. Bryan Poff, Jr.  Ted thoroughly enjoyed the legal research and writing associated with his work at the Court of Appeals.

Other Work Experience

Before law school, Ted worked for Chrysler Corporation in Detroit.  As a buyer, he purchased various parts that were put on Chrysler vehicles such as distributor caps and reservoirs for windshield-washer solvent.

Education

Ted graduated from Baylor Law School in 1991.  He was a Notes and Comments Editor on the Baylor Law Review.  He joined the Law Review through a writing competition.

Ted earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Wisconsin in 1986.

Personal

Ted has two daughters and three sons (one deceased).  He is also the grandfather of five.  He enjoys music, chess, reading, and sports.

Ted is married to Jani Wood, a fellow public defender in Harris County.  They live in Houston.