The Williamson County Commissioners Court appointed Will Ward to serve as the first County Court at Law No. 5 Judge. Mr. Ward currently works as a felony prosecutor in the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office. He previously worked in the Brazos County District Attorney’s Office and interned with the Lubbock County District Attorney’s Office. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University Law School and the Virginia Military Institute. 

Mr. Ward bravely served in the United States Marine Corps for nine years and was promoted to Major by the end of his reserve status. During his distinguished service, he earned the Bronze Star Medal twice, a Navy and Marine Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service, a Navy and Marine Achievement Medal for superior performance in Iraq, as well as a Combat Action Ribbon for performance of duties under fire in Iraq. 

“I’m humbled and honored to accept this appointment, and I promise to give my best to the citizens of Williamson County,” said Mr. Ward. 

The Texas legislature created the new county court at law during the 87th legislative session in 2021. Prior to that, the last time a new county court at law court was approved by the Texas legislature was in 2005. Mr. Ward will take the bench October 1, 2022. He will serve until the next General Election. 

“Appointing someone to fill a vacancy or a new position is one of the most important responsibilities of the Commissioners Court. Today, we interviewed two candidates that are both amazingly qualified, but we have only one position to fill. I feel that we selected the candidate that will do an exceptional job due to his long record of public service in the miliary and as a prosecutor,” said County Judge Bill Gravell.