Former Judge Michael E. Mery now serves as a mediator and visiting judge. Growing up on Prospect Hill, he became fluent in Spanish. The grandson of Lebanese immigrants, he learned to value hard work and education. He graduated from Central Catholic High School, earned his B.A. in Government from Cornell University and, in 1982, obtained his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. Before becoming judge of County Court at Law #12, he served as Assistant District Attorney of Bexar County and as Assistant Attorney General of Texas. He also engaged in the private practice of law for twelve years. During his long tenure on the bench, Judge Mery presided over hundreds of jury trials and took thousands of pleas. Judge Mery assisted in the creation of the first Mental Health Court of Bexar County and was its presiding judge until his last day in office.