Justice Steven C. Hilbig was elected in November 2006 and joined the court on January 2, 2007. He was born in San Antonio, Texas on March 22, 1952. Justice Hilbig attended San Antonio College (Associates in Arts – 1972) and the University of Texas at Austin (Bachelor of Arts (American Studies) – 1974). He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from University of Texas Law School in 1976 and entered the Texas Bar that same year.
Justice Hilbig began his legal career as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney for Bexar County, Texas in 1977 and served in that capacity until October 1981. At the district attorney's office, he conducted jury trials in a wide variety of cases including capital murders. In October 1981 Justice Hilbig became an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas and remained at that office until November 1984. In this capacity, Justice Hilbig helped conduct criminal investigations and trials of various federal offenses. He also served as a prosecutor on the Organized Crime, Drug Enforcement Task Force – an unit focused on the investigation and prosecutor of major drug organizations. After leaving the U.S. Attorney's Office, Justice Hilbig established a solo law practice concentrating on criminal defense in state and federal courts.
In 1990, Justice Hilbig was elected Criminal District Attorney for Bexar County and was re-elected in 1994. In 1998 he chose not to seek a third term and returned to private practice. Justice Hilbig initially became Of Counsel with the firm of Sessions & Sessions, L.L.P. and followed this firm when it merged with the firm of Holland & Knight, L.L.P. While working at these firms, he expanded his practice to include civil litigation. In 2002 Justice Hilbig left Holland & Knight and again practiced as a sole practitioner, engaging in criminal defense and civil litigation in state and federal courts. He continued in his practice until his election to the court in 2006.
Justice Hilbig is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in criminal law (1986) and in criminal appellate law (2011). He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. He served previously as a director of the National District Attorneys Association, the Texas District & County Attorneys Association, and as a member of the Juvenile Justice Task Force under Governor George Bush.
He has been married to his wife Sylvia since 1975. Together they enjoy an active outdoor life including kayaking, fishing, backpacking, hiking and exploring our national parks.
Staff:
- Staff Attorney
- Beth Crabb
- Staff Attorney
- Cathy Sheehan
Updated: 06-Jan-2012
