Out Smart Magazine, Fran Watson: Experienced Attorney & LGBTQ Advocate Running for Judge

Fran earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Houston-Downtown and a law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. She lives in Southwest Houston with her wife.

Fran worked as a staff attorney for the Honorable Judge of Harris County Probate Court Two prior to her appointment. She previously worked as an associate municipal court judge and private practice attorney.

Harris County TX, Probate Court No. 5

Houston Style Magazine, Fran Watson Makes History as First Black Probate Judge in Harris County

Fransheneka "Fran" Watson is a probate court judge in Harris County. She was appointed in June 2024.

As a probate court judge, administers the wills and estates of deceased persons, appoints guardians to incapacitated adults and minors, commits individuals for involuntary treatment of addiction to drugs or alcohol and mental illness, issues marriage licenses, and oversees certain cases dealing with criminal conduct.

As municipal judge, oversaw "arraignments, bench trials, property seizure hearings, inability to pay hearings, and Magistrate warnings."

As a private practice attorney, has represented families on cases like estate planning, probate, and guardianship, and individuals and small business owners on matters like breach of contract and consumer law disputes.

- As a probate court judge, administers the wills and estates of deceased persons, appoints guardians to incapacitated adults and minors, commits individuals for involuntary treatment of addiction to drugs or alcohol and mental illness, issues marriage licenses, and oversees certain cases dealing with criminal conduct.
- As municipal judge, oversaw "arraignments, bench trials, property seizure hearings, inability to pay hearings, and Magistrate warnings."
- As a private practice attorney, has represented families on cases like estate planning, probate, and guardianship, and individuals and small business owners on matters like breach of contract and consumer law disputes.

Legal Experience

As of June 8, 2025, Fransheneka "Fran" Watson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

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Candidate website

Recognized for individual contributions to the Houston Bar Association and Houston Volunteer Lawyers.

Received a Public Citizen of the Year Award.

- Recognized for individual contributions to the Houston Bar Association and Houston Volunteer Lawyers.
- Received a Public Citizen of the Year Award.

Community Involvement

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Fransheneka "Fran" Watson

Ray received a bachelor's degree from Baylor University and a law degree from the South Texas College of Law at Houston.

Ray currently works as an attorney for the law firm of Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom. He previously worked in estate settlement.


Ballot Pedia, Ray Black

Ray Black Jr ran for Probate Court Judge in Harris County in Texas in 2018 but did not win.

As an attorney at Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom, he researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients, specializing in complex probate, trust, guardianship and fiduciary representation and related litigation.

- As an attorney at Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom, he researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients, specializing in complex probate, trust, guardianship and fiduciary representation and related litigation.

As of June 8, 2025, Ray Black Jr did not have a website or any information online.

MDJW Law, Ray Black Jr

Speaks at continuing legal education seminars to educate attorneys on concepts in his practice areas.

- Speaks at continuing legal education seminars to educate attorneys on concepts in his practice areas.

Ray Black Jr

- Texas county probate judges handle all cases in probate, including estate administration, wills, guardianships, and incapacitation cases.
- There are a total of 24 probate judges across 12 counties within the state.
- They are paid an annual salary between $158,000 and $193,400.

Harris Probate Court Judge

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Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

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Community Involvement