Assistant DA Amy Allin appointed as 297th District judge after Hagerman retires from court
Tarrant County Assistant District Attorney Amy Allin has been appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to serve as judge of the 297th District Court following the retirement of Judge David Hagerman before the end of his term.
Allin, a felony court chief prosecutor, began working at the District Attorney’s Office eight years ago and has prosecuted hundreds of cases. She was one of three assistant district attorneys who prosecuted cannibal serial killer Jason Thornburg, who was sentenced to the death penalty last year.
“The governor made an outstanding choice in selecting Amy,” District Attorney Phil Sorrells said in a news release on Tuesday, Feb. 25. “I am incredibly proud of her and confident in her ability to be an exceptional judge. Amy brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and unwavering dedication — qualities that will serve her well on the bench.”
“While her contributions will certainly be missed in my office, I have no doubt that her commitment to justice will make a lasting impact in the courtroom,” Sorrells said.
Pending confirmation by the Texas Senate, Allin, 35, will replace Hagerman, 67, who retired from the position earlier this year, according to the release.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to Governor Abbott for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity,” Allin said in the release. “It is truly humbling to be given the chance to serve the citizens of Tarrant County in this new role, and I am committed to upholding the trust placed in me.”
Allin earned a bachelor of science degree in advertising from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her law degree from Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law.
Allin’s appointment will expire on Dec. 31, 2026, which is when Hagerman’s term was set to expire, and the position will then be filled by an elected candidate.
Hagerman worked as a prosecutor in Tarrant and Ellis counties for more than 20 years and was first elected as the 297th District Court judge in 2014.