Meet Lia Polk
Experience. Fairness. Accountability.
Lia Polk is a Dallas County native, criminal attorney, and judicial candidate for Criminal District Court 1 with more than 21 years of legal experience. Her career spans public service, private practice, and legal education, with extensive experience in felony courts, juvenile cases, and complex criminal matters. Lia brings knowledge, balance, and firsthand courtroom experience to the pursuit of fair and equal justice.
Experience That Matters
21+ Years of Legal Experience | Criminal Law • Felony Courts • Dallas County
Lia Polk has practiced law for more than 21 years in Dallas County and surrounding jurisdictions. Her experience includes felony and misdemeanor cases, bench and jury trials, motion practice, and complex criminal litigation. She currently handles felony cases exclusively and has managed high-volume caseloads with precision and professionalism.
Public Defender & Trial Attorney | Nearly 11 Years of Public Service
Lia served almost 11 years as an Assistant Public Defender in Dallas County, representing hundreds of clients each year. She handled cases ranging from assault family violence to capital murder, as well as juvenile and CPS cases involving child welfare. Her courtroom experience includes trials, hearings, and pretrial advocacy at the highest levels of responsibility.
Educator & Community Leader
In addition to her legal practice, Lia serves as Adjunct Faculty at Dallas College and previously taught at UNT Dallas College of Law. She has trained attorneys, law students, and interns, and has held leadership roles including Chair of the Civil Service Commission for the City of Duncanville. Her professional involvement reflects a commitment to ethics, education, and public service.
CREDENTIALS
Education & Teaching
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Juris Doctor, South Texas College of Law
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Bachelor of Science in Political Science, University of Houston
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Adjunct Faculty, Dallas College (Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Dispute Resolution)
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Former Assistant Adjunct Faculty, UNT Dallas College of Law
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Trained law students, attorneys, and legal interns
Professional Leadership & Service
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Member, Texas Bar College
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Member, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
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Member, Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
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Chair, Civil Service Commission, City of Duncanville
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Fellow, Dallas Bar Foundation
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Past member of Dallas Bar Association
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Past member J. L. Turner Legal Association
Judicial Training & Clerkships
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Judicial Clerk for Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod, 190th Civil District Court (now U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit)
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Judicial Intern for Judge Vanessa Gilmore, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
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Judicial Intern for Magistrate Judge Marcia Crone (now U.S. District Judge)
