Judge Dillingham was sworn into office on January 1, 2023 by the Honorable Lynn Ellison alongside the Honorable Stella Saxon.

A Karnes County Native, Judge Jennifer Dillingham has strong family roots in the 81st Judicial District. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Texas Lutheran University, a Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech School of Law, and a Master of Finance & Economics from West Texas A&M University.

Prior to her judgeship, she was a twice elected Republican County Attorney in Karnes County, Texas and maintained a civil practice. For over a decade, she has taught Business Law, Criminal Law & various courses for Texas Lutheran University.

Judge Dillingham is married to a San Antonio Firefighter|Paramedic and is the mother to three wonderful children. She is actively involved in her community and works tirelessly to ensure that the 81st Judicial District has access to justice and open courts.