A native Texan, Stella Stevens moved to Houston in 1996 to attend law school, and loved it so much, she never left. What began as the place where she planned to earn her law degree soon became home. Over the nearly three decades since, Stella has built her career, raised her family, formed lifelong friendships, and found a community that has shaped both the person and attorney she is today.
After graduating from the University of Houston Law Center in 1999, Stella began her career in public service, joining the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor in the spring of 2000. During her tenure with the County Attorney’s Office and later the District Attorney’s Office, she quickly developed a reputation as a tough, capable prosecutor, handling cases at every level—from JP dog-nuisance barking cases to murder.
In the spring of 2009, Stella left the job she loved to become a full-time mom—a role that remains, to date, her most cherished title. During those years, she baked all the cupcakes, attended every story time, and learned the true meaning of community through serving (and occasionally getting hazed) in the PTAs at her daughters’ schools.
In the summer of 2019, Stella returned to the practice of law and quickly discovered two things: how much she disliked divorcing people and how much she loved defending them.
Starting a criminal defense practice after a ten-year break was not easy. She was able to do it through the love, support, and guidance of countless friends and mentors who believed in her and helped her find her way back to the courtroom.
For Stella, the practice of criminal defense became more than a passion it became a calling. It has been a privilege to stand beside people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives and to serve those who are most in need of both justice and mercy.
Today, Stella lives a quiet life and enjoys the decidedly middle-aged pursuits of gardening (or, more accurately, plant killing), bird watching, and a good glass of wine on the front porch. She lives in the little corner of Houston affectionately known as the GOOF with her two lovely daughters and her husband of 29 mostly happy years.
Her life as a prosecutor, defense attorney, mother, wife, neighbor, and member of her community has shaped the perspective she now hopes to bring to the bench: experience on both sides of the courtroom, respect for every person who enters it, and the understanding that sometimes justice looks like justice and sometimes, it looks like mercy.
Stella's commitment to Houston extends far beyond the courtroom. As an active volunteer in her community including many hours logged at the local schools, she has spent years working to ensure that every child in our community has access to a safe and supportive learning environment. Her transition from the DA's office to community service allowed her to see the justice system from a different perspective. One rooted in empathy and grassroots empowerment.
Now, as she seeks to serve as your Judge, Stella brings with her the combined wisdom of a seasoned prosecutor and a dedicated community leader. She understands that the bench requires more than just legal knowledge. It requires a profound understanding of the people it serves and a commitment to fairness that never wavers. Stella Stevens is ready to bring her lifetime of experience to work for Houston.
JUSTICE
Fair. Thoughtful. Impartial.
Every person who enters the courtroom deserves to be heard, respected, and treated fairly.
The right outcome isn't always the harshest one. Wisdom means knowing the difference.
MERCY
Service has shaped Stella's life, from raising her family to serving others in and outside the courtroom.
COMMUNITY
Every decision should be grounded in the law, guided by principle, and made without fear or favor.
INTEGRITY
