Judge Rose Guerra Reyna was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. Rose was one of five children born to Rebecca Flores Guerra and the late Antonio Guerra. She attended McAllen ISD schools as a child culminating in her graduation from McAllen High School in 1978.
Inspired by her father, who pursued a college education late in life, Rose went on to study and graduate Magna Cum Laude from the predecessor of University of Texas-RGV, Pan American University. To this day, Rose remembers her father's words, "There is only one thing no one can take away from you once you have it, and THAT is your education." Rose went on to earn her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law, graduating at the age of twenty-three.
After law school, Rose returned to South Texas to start her legal career at the Law Office of Ramon Garcia. After a year, Rose moved on to practice at Skaggs, Reyna & Garza, L.L.P. (formerly Lewis and Skaggs), a general litigation firm representing plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of jurisdictions coverings various subject matters. This practice included representation of plaintiffs and defendants in trial court (State and Federal), Court of Appeals, and the Texas Supreme Court. Rose was an Associate of the firm from 1985 to 1986 and became and remained a Partner from 1987 to 1998.
In 1998, Rose was elected by the people of Hidalgo County to serve as Judge of the 206th District Court. Rose was subsequently sworn in as Judge of the 206th Judicial District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas on January 1, 1999. This is a court of general jurisdiction hearing civil cases, family cases, felony criminal cases, and juvenile cases. Rose has served in numerous administrative advisory capacities including statewide task force for the jury system and Able Term transition coordination. Known for her hard work, ethics, fairness, and commitment to justice, Rose has earned the respect and trust of the people of Hidalgo County and across the State of Texas. Rose has been re-elected to the bench in four consecutive elections without contest. At nineteen years of service, Rose is the longest serving female district Judge in Hidalgo County's history.
In recent years, Judge Reyna's work ethic and professionalism has led her to be designated by the Statewide MDL Panel as an MDL Judge in certain cases. She has also been presiding Judge of the Hidalgo County Re-Entry Court, monitoring probationers returning from a six-month residential program as they re-integrate into society.
As a product of her community, Rose believes in civic duty and community service. Judge Reyna has been involved in various non-profit and community organizations. She has received various recognitions and awards including Outstanding Women of America, Notable Woman of Texas, Notable Valley Hispanic-UTPA and AVANCE Mother of the Year. She was awarded the 2010 Texas Center Professionalism Award by the Hidalgo County Bar Association and the Texas Center for Legal Ethics. Most recently in 2017, Rose was granted the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hidalgo County Bar Association. She is also a frequent speaker at local schools from elementary school to the college level. Of the numerous honors and recognitions Rose has received over the years, her proudest accomplishments are her two children--Josh Reyna and Anthony Reyna.
Licenses and Certifications:
State Bar of Texas (May 1984)
United State of America - Southern District of Texas (November 1984)
United State of America - Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (December 1992)
United Supreme Court (May 1994)
Certified to be appointed Attorney Ad Litem in Texas Courts
AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell (peer rating at the highest level of professional excellence)