J. Ray Gayle, Attorney

J. Ray Gayle, III is the former (retired) Judge of the 239th Judicial District Court of Brazoria County, Texas, and Senior District Judge for the State of Texas. He joined the firm of Gilbert & Gilbert in May, 2006, where he continues to make his imprint on the practice of law - both as a highly regarded lawyer, a seasoned counselor and experienced mediator/arbitrator - in the service of clients and the community at large. He has tried over 1200 jury cases as a judge, both civil and criminal, including nine capital murder cases.

Judge Gayle entered the practice of law in 1966 as a felony prosecutor with the Midland County District Attorneys office, and for several years thereafter worked as a trial attorney in private practice in Texarkana and in Angleton. He was appointed as first Judge of the County Court at Law No. 1 of Brazoria County, Texas, a position in which he served for five years. In 1978, he was elected as Judge of the 239th District Court of Brazoria County, Texas. He was re-elected to five successive terms serving 24 years as a District Judge, and on his retirement from that post in 2003, he assumed Senior Judge status for the State of Texas.

Judge Gayles practice is concentrated in complex litigation, litigation management/consulting, commercial litigation, personal injury, toxic tort litigation, and products liability. He has extensive experience as a mediator, arbitrator, and special master.

Raised in Angleton since birth, J. Ray Gayle served in the United States Navy and in the Navy Reserves, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. He is a graduate of Naval Officer Candidate School and was accepted for Naval Flight School prior to release from active duty. He earned a B.B.A. from the University of Texas in 1960, majoring in accounting, and graduated from the University of Texas Law School in 1966 with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He is a member of the University of Texas Lettermens Association.

Judge Gayle has served multiple terms as presiding judge of the Brazoria County Board of Judges. Judge Gayle is currently a member of the Texas Bar Foundation, Texas State Bar Association, Brazoria County Bar Association, and various other organizations connected with the district judges of Texas. In addition, he is a member and past President of the Angleton Noon Lions Club, past director of the Angleton Chamber of Commerce, and he has been an Elder and Trustee for the First Presbyterian Church of Angleton.

Judge Gayle and his wife, Nancy Nelson Gayle, reside in Angleton, Texas.