Jose Santiago “Jim” Solis, 1963-

Dates

• Existence: 1963-07-07-

Biography

Jim Solis was a Harlingen, Texas attorney with strong Rio Grande Valley ties. He was born in Weslaco, Texas and makes his home today in Harlingen, Texas. He is married to Diana Solis and has two children Trey and Diego.

He graduated from the University of Texas Pan American with a degree in Marketing and then received his JD from the Thurgood Marshall School Law, Cum Laude in 1989. He holds a certificate of mediation under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 154.

He served as a State Representative for District 38 from 1992-2007. His career was marked by advocacy for the Rio Grande Valley and interest in issues such as education and health care. He served on a number of House of Representatives committees including Judicial Affairs, Local and Consent Calendars, Public Health and Chairman of Economic Development. He was also a member of the House Research Organization, House Mexican-American Legislative Caucus, and the Legislative Study Group.

Other groups with which he is a member include the Mexican-American Democrats, Cameron County Bar Association, Harlingen Dawn Breakers Lions Club, The Shaken Baby Alliance, Los Fresnos Boys and Girl’s Club Board, International Good Neighbor Council, Harlingen Boys and Girl’s Club Board, Harlingen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board, San Benito Chamber of Commerce, and the Los Fresnos Chamber of Commerce.

He has received a number of awards for his public service activities. Solis was named the 2001 Legislator of the Year by the Texas Economic Development Council. He was also named the first recipient of the Distinguished Leadership Award by the Workforce Leadership of Texas. Additionally in 2001, he received the Health Care Champion Award for his support of public health issues.

In 2011, Solis pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the extortion by former state district judge Abel Corral Limas. At the time of his guilty plea, Solis admitted his part in former Judge Limas’ use of the office of judge of the 404th District Court as a criminal enterprise to enrich himself and others, including Solis, through extortion. Limas accepted money and other consideration from attorneys in civil cases pending in his court, including Solis, in return for favorable pre-trial rulings in certain cases. In 2013, he was convicted and sentenced to 47 months in prison.

Occupations

• Attorneys
• State Representative (Tex.)

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