Judge Cynthia Marie Chapa: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Cynthia Marie Chapa is a judge for the 288th (Civil) District Court in Bexar County, Texas. She was elected to the bench on November 6, 2018, and re-elected in 2022.

Chapa earned a B.A. in political science from St. Mary's University in 2002. She then continued her studies at St. Mary's University School of Law, where she completed a J.D. in 2006. As a student attorney, Chapa worked at the Center for Legal and Social Justice Immigration Clinic, representing clients before the Immigration Court and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service.

After graduating from law school, Chapa entered into private practice. She worked as a partner in the Law Offices of Arellano and Chapa from 2007 to 2011. She then started her own private practice as a sole practitioner. She worked in that capacity until her election to the bench.

Chapa was raised by Adolfo and Maria Chapa. Her father, Adolfo, worked as a licensed chemical dependency counselor and a high school principal. Her mother, Maria, spent thirty years as a home health provider for the elderly.

She is registered as a Democrat.