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Judge Natalia “Nata” Cornelio is judge of the 351st District Court, a state court that serves all of Harris County, Texas.
She was first elected to the bench on November 3, 2020, and began her first term on January 1, 2021. She was re-elected on November 5, 2024, and started her second term on January 1, 2025.
Accomplishments
Since being elected, Judge Cornelio has:
Worked Hard to Ensure that Those Before Her are Heard in a Timely Manner
When Judge Cornelio first took the bench, there were nearly 3,000 felony cases waiting to be resolved, with more than 200 cases coming into the Court each month. Judge Cornelio promptly got to work, and since taking the bench, has:
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Disposed of more than 12,000 felony cases (as of 9/30/25)
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Been the judge of more than 48 trials (as of 9/30/25)
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Set more than 800 cases for trial, resulting in their resolution
Invested in Youth and Community Outreach
As part of Judge Cornelio’s commitment, she:
1.Has hosted 34 student interns through her robust internship program including:
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A social work student intern from University of Houston’s School of Social Work
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9 college students, including 1 Rice University Student, 7 students from University of Houston, and 1 student from University of St Thomas
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24 law students from South Texas College of Law, Thursgood Marshall School of Law, Washington University School of Law, University of Houston Law Center
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Has already sworn in Seven former interns as members of the Texas State Bar
2. Regularly hosts student groups and classes in the courtroom, including regular visits from the University of Houston PreLaw Association and Avalos P-Tech School
3. Hosts an annual mock trial invitational for high school students from across Houston for students where students can learn the skills of being a lawyer from practicing lawyers and practice in a mock trial hosted in the 351st Courtroom
4. Hosts an annual back to school drive
Taken On Leadership Roles To Improve The Work of the Courts
1. Judge Cornelio was elected by her colleagues to serve as Administrative Judge beginning October 1, 2025, a two year position in which she was entrusted to serve as a leader in the administrative responsibilities of the Harris County Criminal Courts.
2. She served as Co-chair of the Specialty Courts Committee, and volunteers her time to assist in presiding over special needs mental health cases in the District Courts’ Competency Restoration Docket.
3. She formed the “Community Engagement” committee, a committee of Harris County District Judges dedicated to organizing opportunities for judges to engage in community service and community outreach.
4. She has conducted training for the bar, including:
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Mexican American Bar Association of Houston, Criminal Law Judge Panel 2025 regarding changes in bail laws
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Mexican American Bar Association of Houston, Criminal Law Judge Panel 2023, Overview of Criminal Proceedings
Background
She is a bilingual, Mexican-American resident of Houston’s second ward and has practiced law since 2006.
Memberships
Her memberships include the Texas Bar Foundation, Hispanic National Bar Association, Texas Latinx Judges, and Houston Bar Association (where she serves on the Criminal Law and Procedure section and on the Houston Lawyer Magazine editorial board).
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