Gary Coley

Judge Gary Coley is a respected mediator, arbitrator, and former district court judge who now devotes his practice to alternative dispute resolution. With more than thirty years of legal experience, he assists clients in resolving complex civil, commercial, and family disputes efficiently and fairly. After sixteen years as Judge of the 74th District Court, he continues to apply his judicial insight to guide parties toward meaningful and cost-effective resolutions without the burden of trial.

Judge Coley earned his B.B.A. from Texas A&M University and his J.D. from Baylor University School of Law in 1993. He is licensed to practice in Texas, the United States Supreme Court, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. His background includes extensive work in commercial litigation, personal injury, medical malpractice, family law, and criminal law—experience that informs his balanced and thoughtful approach to mediation and arbitration.

Throughout his judicial career, Judge Coley spearheaded programs designed to improve access to justice and community well-being. He co-founded the Heart of Texas Human Trafficking Coalition, helped develop the McLennan County Veterans Treatment Court, and contributed to the McLennan Crossover Youth Project Model. He has also trained judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement internationally on anti-trafficking strategies.

As an adjunct professor at Baylor Law, Judge Gary Coley teaches Juvenile Justice, mentoring future legal professionals. His leadership, compassion, and dedication to resolving disputes with fairness and efficiency make him a trusted choice for mediation and arbitration across Texas. Through his work, Judge Coley continues to promote justice, cooperation, and practical solutions outside the courtroom.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Cherry Johnson Siegmund James
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
• Member, The Judge Abner McCall Inn of Court
• Member, Rotary Club
• Co-Founder, Heart of Texas Human Trafficking Coalition

Licensed State

• Texas

Education

• Baylor University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Texas A&M University
  Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Awards & Badges