About the Judge
Judge M. Katherine McDaniel was appointed in 2025 by Governor Greg Abbott as the first judge of the 498th District Court.
Judge McDaniel has practiced law since 1997 and brings nearly three decades of experience within the Texas judicial system. Her professional background includes extensive work in district court proceedings, case management, and the application of constitutional and statutory law.
Prior to her judicial appointment, Judge McDaniel served as First Assistant Criminal District Attorney for Kendall County, where she assisted in the establishment and administration of the Criminal District Attorney’s Office. Her responsibilities included trying and managing high-profile cases, supervision of attorneys, and implementation of office policies and procedures.
Judge McDaniel has presided over, managed, or supervised more than 10,000 cases during her career, including matters involving child abuse, gang crimes, capital murder and large-scale narcotics. Prior to serving Kendall County, Judge McDaniel held senior leadership roles in Harris County, including District Court Chief and division leadership assignments in Special Crimes, Child Abuse, and Juvenile divisions.
In addition to her judicial duties, Judge McDaniel has served on statewide criminal justice initiatives, including the Texas Violent Gang Task Force Advisory Board, and many local initiatives including the Kendall County Behavioral Health Advisory Coalition.
Judge McDaniel earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from The University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor degree from Texas Tech University School of Law. She resides in Boerne, Texas with her family.
