Judge Maria Aceves is the presiding judge of the 192nd Civil District Court in Dallas County. Prior to getting on the bench, Judge Aceves was an award-winning civil litigation attorney, focusing on personal injury matters. She also handled guardian ad litem appointments representing minor children's interests in civil cases. Prior to starting her own firm, Judge Aceves practiced civil litigation at a prominent defense firm and worked at a boutique catastrophic injury firm.
In 2023, Judge Aceves was selected to D Magazine’s Women of Influence. She was also named as one of the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association’s Women of Distinction in 2022 in conjunction with LATINA Style Magazine. Prior to getting on the bench, Judge Aceves was selected as one of D Magazine's Best Lawyers under 40 for 2022. She was also named numerous times to the Super Lawyers Texas Rising Stars List and selected to the Top 40 Under 40 List by the National Trial Lawyers, among numerous other awards.
Judge Aceves is also very involved in the community. Specifically, Judge Aceves previously served on the board of Avance North Texas, the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association, the Dallas Bar Association (“DBA”) ABE Diversity Survey Task Force Update, DBA Mock Trial Committee, Chair of the DBA Mock Voir Dire program, Chair of the DBA Law in Schools Committee, and Chair of the Mentoring Committee for the Mac Taylor Inn of Court. Judge Aceves was also previously a member of the DBA We Lead Leadership Class of 2020. Furthermore, Judge Aceves is very passionate about mentoring and has participated in numerous mentoring programs.
Originally born in Mexico City, Judge Aceves grew up in North Texas and is a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law. Judge Aceves received her Bachelor of Arts from Southern Methodist University with a major in International Studies and minors in Political Science and History.
