Featured Candidate - Janet Cook
Janet Cook has the unique and varied experience to bring new effectiveness to the County Criminal Court bench. Janet’s skills as a former prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, and active community member qualify her as the best candidate for this bench.
After graduating from Texas Tech School of Law in 1981, Janet began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney working for legendary Henry Wade. She tried nearly 150 jury trials as a prosecutor, from driving while intoxicated cases to murder. Janet chose to leave the District Attorney’s office to stay home full time and raise her three children. During that time she volunteered at the public schools, tutored children in math and reading, and worked as a substitute teacher for children with special needs.
Janet’s return to the courtroom came when she was hired as a felony defense attorney by the Dallas County Public Defender’s office. Almost immediately, Janet was back in front of juries defending indigent clients charged with felony cases such as murder, aggravated robbery, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. Janet decided to take on a new challenge when she began working for the Dallas County Criminal District Judges as the Senior Staff attorney. Her duties included advising the felony judges on evidentiary matters and preparing court documents.
After three years away from litigating cases, Janet was ready to return to the Public Defender’s office to represent indigent defendants charged with felonies. She is currently a supervisor of several felony trial attorneys and participates in training and mentoring new attorneys.
Janet Cook has built a strong reputation in the office and throughout the courthouse as a reliable source when a question of law or evidence arises. As a former prosecutor and defense attorney, Janet has a strong work ethic and a commitment to see that justice is served for the individuals involved and for the community in which she lives.
Janet has been married to attorney Kevin Cook for nearly 29 years. They have three children, Stephanie, Jennifer, and Kyle.
