James W. Hendrix

James W. Hendrix serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Texas Tech University School of Law while concurrently holding the position of Judge on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. He presides over federal civil and criminal cases in the Northern District's Lubbock, Abilene, and San Angelo Divisions and maintains active involvement with the Fifth Circuit's Criminal Pattern Jury Instructions Committee and the Northern District of Texas's Local Rules Committee.

Education:

• B.A., University of Chicago, 2000
• J.D., University of Texas School of Law, 2003

Judge Hendrix specializes in federal criminal and civil litigation, with particular expertise in sentencing policy and appellate advocacy. His professional background as both a prosecutor and federal judge provides unique insights into the federal judicial system, particularly regarding criminal procedure and federal sentencing guidelines. His practical experience spans complex commercial litigation, oil-and-gas matters, and intellectual property cases from his private practice days, as well as high-profile federal prosecutions including terrorism cases.

Judge Hendrix teaches specialized courses including Sentencing Law & Policy and Written Advocacy in the Federal Sentencing Process, bringing his extensive courtroom and judicial experience directly into the classroom. His teaching focuses on the practical application of federal sentencing guidelines and the procedural aspects of advocacy before federal courts.

Professional Background:

• Judge, United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
• Appellate Chief, Northern District of Texas's United States Attorney's Office
• Assistant U.S. Attorney (argued over 25 appeals at Fifth and Seventh Circuits)
• Associate, Baker Botts L.L.P. (Dallas office)
• Law Clerk to Judge Patrick Higginbotham, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Judge Hendrix has demonstrated significant leadership within the Department of Justice, having served as Chair of the Department of Justice's Appellate Chiefs Working Group and as an ex officio member of the Attorney General's Advisory Committee. His courtroom experience includes high-profile cases such as the prosecution of Hosam Smadi for attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction in a Dallas skyscraper.