The two Democratic candidates in the primary runoff for Houston's Fourteenth Court of Appeals are dueling about their experience—or lack thereof.

In election Q&As for Texas Lawyer, Tamika "Tami" Craft and Cheri Thomas, who both want the vote to become the Place 7 justice candidate, have given arguments about why they're better than their opponent. Whoever wins will compete against Republican incumbent Justice Ken Wise in November.

Craft, an appellate attorney at the Texas Workforce Commission, claims she has 17 years of civil and criminal trial experience, has mediated more than 100 cases to resolution, and has filed and prepared appellate briefs. She argues that her opponent hasn't filed a case in six years and has never filed an appeal, among other things.

Thomas would probably dispute that, since she told Texas Lawyer that she has a broad range of legal experience including litigation, appellate advocacy, research and writing, and more.

"I worked on approximately 50 civil and criminal appeals, advising and supporting judges as a staff attorney on the Fourteenth Court of Appeals. I know what it takes to review appeals accurately and efficiently, and my experience as a litigator will give me an edge as an appellate judge," wrote Thomas, shareholder in Lewis Thomas Law in Houston.

Texas Lawyer is publishing Q&As with the judicial candidates in runoff elections. Early voting runs from June 29 to July 10, and election day is July 14.

Here are the Q&As for Craft and Thomas.

Tamika "Tami" Craft

Craft did not complete Texas Lawyer's full judicial candidate questionnaire for the March primary or the July runoff. She only submitted an answer for one question, below.

How are you different or better suited for the bench than your opponent?

I am better suited for this position because I have the following: I have 17 Years of actual civil and criminal experience, mediated 100 cases to resolution, jury trial experience, prepared and filed appellate briefs, licensed in all Texas courts, U.S. District Courts Southern & Eastern Districts, the U.S. Supreme Court (only 10% of attorney nationwide are licensed in this court). I am currently an administrative judge for the Texas Education Agency [and an] appellate attorney for the Texas Workforce Commission.

My opponent has no mediation skills, never tried a case to a jury, never filed an appellate brief, only filed six cases in one county and only briefed appellate briefs.

Cheri Thomas

What is a brief biography of work experience, educational qualifications and career honors that you want voters to know about?

Cheri Thomas.

I have been practicing law for 15 years. After graduating with honors from the University of Texas School of Law, I secured a federal clerkship working with the Honorable Jorge Solis of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, where I had the opportunity to work on numerous civil cases involving various subject matters.

After my clerkship, I practiced civil litigation at Baker Botts for four years, working on a wide variety of civil trial matters, including contract, employment, securities, toxic tort, and personal injury matters in state and federal courts. I then joined Stuart PC, where, for the following eight years, I worked representing clients in civil and appellate matters, in state and federal courts all over the country. In 2016, I became a Partner at Stuart PC.

In 2017, I applied for and was selected to be a staff attorney for the Fourteenth Court of Appeals—the same court for which I am now running. As a staff attorney, I worked on numerous civil and criminal appeals, reviewing the record, conducting legal research, and drafting recommendations on various legal matters for the court's consideration. In the last two years alone, I have worked on over 50 civil and criminal appeals, involving a myriad of legal issues.

In private practice, I also provided pro bono legal services to nonprofit organizations and individuals who could not afford legal representation. Last month, the Texas Bar Foundation elected me as a fellow. The foundation is the largest charitably funded bar foundation in the country. Only the top one-third of one percent of Texas attorneys are invited to become fellows each year. Members are nominated based on their dedication and commitment to the administration of justice and high professional standing among their peers. I am extremely proud and humbled to have received this distinction.

I have also been named a "Rising Star" by the Texas Super Lawyers magazine five times.

Why do you want this position?

I want to be more involved in our government, and my legal skills are what I have to offer. I am confident that I can contribute to the court in a positive and meaningful way. I was working as a staff attorney on the Fourteenth Court of Appeals, when the 2018 election brought new justices to the court, with fresh perspective and a variety of backgrounds. Different backgrounds add value to the court. Because the court reviews a wide variety of legal subject matters, justices with different backgrounds act as resources to one another in cases that touch upon their experience. On the Fourteenth Court of Appeals, many of the new justices have experience in criminal law and experience in small firm or solo civil practice. As an attorney with experience in complex civil matters, my experience will serve as a helpful and necessary resource, balancing the variety of experience on the court.

How are you different or better suited for the bench than your opponent?

I have a broad range of experience working on a variety of legal issues. I have first-chair experience managing cases at all stages of litigation, and I have extensive experience as an appellate advocate. My legal career has focused on legal research and writing; it is what I love most about being a lawyer, and I excel at it. This makes me particularly well-suited to become a Justice on the Fourteenth Court of Appeals as the court's work is primarily research and writing. I worked on approximately 50 civil and criminal appeals, advising and supporting judges as a staff attorney on the Fourteenth Court of Appeals. I know what it takes to review appeals accurately and efficiently, and my experience as a litigator will give me an edge as an appellate judge. Much of my litigation experience involved motion practice (which is similar to appellate practice), but I also have practical experience taking depositions, arguing motions, and trying cases that will give my appellate decision-making depth.

I am the only candidate that attended a top-ranked law school or graduated with honors. I am the only candidate that has worked at a leading international law firm or made partner at a law firm. In addition, I am the only candidate that has worked in an appellate court or any court. Working with some of the best lawyers in Texas has given me the skills I will need to be an excellent Justice: good judgment and the ability to perform rigorous, meticulous legal analysis.

How would you go about managing this court's docket efficiently and effectively?

I will diligently review the cases before me. In addition to working hard, I will work cooperatively with staff, attorneys and other justices on the court. I will grant oral argument when merited. I will deliver well-reasoned, clearly written opinions to decrease the number of motions for rehearing and motions for en banc reconsideration.

Where can voters go for more information about you?

- Website: www.cherithomasforjustice.com - Facebook - Resume