Judge Judy Parker will replace Judge Paula Lanehart on the bench in County Court-At-Law No. 3.

Commissioners on Tuesday appointed Parker to fill Lanehart's unexpired term when she steps down at the end of the month.

Parker has served as associate judge in Lubbock County for nearly 14 years.

"I'm just overwhelmed," Parker said. "(I'm) very excited I can continue my service to Lubbock County as judge in County Court No. 3."

Parker said she believes her reputation as a fair, hard-working judge who strictly applies the law and refuses to legislate from the bench paved the way for her appointment.

Commissioners interviewed three candidates Monday and brought back two on Tuesday for a second round of questions.

Parker was chosen over Phillip Hays and J. David Nelson.

"All three applicants demonstrated that they were qualified for this court, and it was not an easy decision," said Lubbock County Commissioner Bill McCay.

Commissioner Ysidro Gutierrez said Tuesday's appointment was the most important decision he has made while serving as commissioner.

"The impact on the people of the community will be long-lasting," Gutierrez said. "And I know it's going to be positive."

Parker, who handles close to 40 family law cases per week as associate judge, will take over a caseload consisting of about 50 percent family law, in addition to civil and probate cases.

Lanehart was on hand to congratulate her successor.

"I'm just relieved this is all over with," Lanehart said. "I'm very confident in Judy's ability to take over my court, because I've worked very hard to keep it up to date."

Now the Lubbock County Board of Judges will begin accepting applications to fill Parker's position.

Applications will be accepted for the next couple weeks, with interviews scheduled to begin the second week of October, said David Slayton, director of court administration.

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