Leon Grizzard

Professional career

• Long‐time Travis County Magistrate Judge, recognized for his professionalism, mentorship, and leadership in specialty dockets such as Mental Health Court and Drug Diversion Court, before retiring in May 2026.
• Licensed in 1978 and began his legal career as a criminal defense attorney, trying felonies including several death‐penalty cases.
• Grizzard’s tenure combined traditional judicial duties with innovative, rehabilitative approaches to criminal justice

Education

Additional information

• His retirement was celebrated on May 21, 2026 at the Black‐Thurman courthouse with a program, portrait unveiling, and banquet attended by fellow judges, county officials, and legal professionals.
• In May 2026, the Austin Bar Association honored Judge Grizzard with the Professionalism Award at the Bench Bar Conference, citing his dedication to professionalism, mentorship, and service.
• In 2008, he was elected to the Travis County Magistrate Court, where he presided over a variety of cases and specialty dockets.
• For over 15 years, he chaired the Travis County Mental Health Court
• focusing on defendants with serious mental health issues, and also co‐led the county’s drug diversion court alongside Judge Joel Bennett.
• His leadership in specialty dockets, especially mental health and drug diversion, reflected a commitment to public safety, rehabilitation, and judicial integrity.