By FLORI MEEKS
CHRONICLE CORRESPONDENT

Judge Bill Yeoman wouldn’t say he grew up hoping to be a justice of the peace, but since he took the position in 1979 he knew he was where he belonged.

"It’s a great job," said Yeoman, 58, Harris County Justice of the Peace Court, Precinct 5, Place 2. "It has immediate job satisfaction, and every day is different. You’re an administrator, lecturer, judge, psychiatrist and teacher."

Earlier this year, the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce named the west Harris County resident its 2010 Citizen of the Year.

Yeoman will be recognized during the chamber’s annual gala, "A Tribute to Katy."

‘True jewel’

"Judge Yeoman absolutely is one of those true jewels in the community, and we are so much better for his service," said Ann Hodge, president and CEO of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce.

"He’s one of those people who quietly goes on to do his job. He cares passionately about educating people about the law and their rights."

Yeoman, who has lived in the western Harris County area since 1961, first considered becoming a judge after attending a University of Houston football game with friends in 1977. Yeoman got on the road and was pulled over for speeding.

Yeoman called the judge representing his community at the time to ask about protesting the ticket. "You’re guilty," the judge told him. Yeoman asked about speaking to another judge. He was told other judges were sure to find him guilty, too.

"That really irritated me that he treated me as guilty with no presumption of innocence," said Yeoman, who was interning for the Harris County law library at the time.

Yeoman had a biology degree from University of Houston and had entered South Texas College of Law, but through his library research he learned a justice of the peace does not need a law degree. At age 27, he decided to run for office.

First, he spent six months working as an intern for Justice of the Peace Laurence Wayne.

It didn’t hurt, he said, that most voters were familiar with his name in 1978. His father, Bill Yeoman, was University of Houston’s football coach. Since then, the community has gotten to know him for his contributions.

Yeoman has made it a priority to battle school truancy throughout his years as a justice of the peace. "As a society, we have to recognize children not attending school is a big problem," he said. "These children aren’t getting a quality education, and they’re unable to contribute to society."

Yeoman also is known for his use of humor in the courtroom, and for the speeches he makes to educate those who come before him.

"Any docket I have I make a speech on rights, remedies, responsibilities and liabilities," he said.

"I never wanted anyone to go to the press and say, he didn’t tell me…" Yeoman said. "I’ve probably overcompensated."

Yeoman remembers a doctor who lost his case in Yeoman’s court. "He said, ‘I disagree with your opinion, but I respect your opinion because I know you listened.’ "

More cases

While Yeoman’s approach to his job has changed little over the years, his workload has increased. In 1979, he saw about 900 cases a month. Now, that total nearly reaches 10,000.

"The enormity of the caseload and the legislative changes that take place every two years have alerted me there is a lot going on in the lower level of the court system," he said. "Approximately 80 percent of the people who have their day in court will be in a court like this. How we treat them and jurors and witnesses will shape how most of the public sees the court system."

Yeoman describes his work and his award from the chamber as the result of a team effort.

"I wouldn’t have had such a great time being a justice of the peace if I didn’t have the great staff I do and great family support," he said.

The award is an honor, Yeoman added. "It proves there is grace for those who don’t deserve it. It’s pretty special, because there are a lot of special people in the chamber."

WANT TO GO?

What: Katy Area Chamber of Commerce gala, A Tribute to Katy

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12

Where: Safari Texas Ranch, 11627 FM 1464 near Sugar Land

Details: www.katychamber.com/, info@katychamber.com or 281-391-5289.