Local defense bar monitors judge's hearing in wake of viral exchange with I.T. worker

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A local defense bar is speaking out after Harris County Judge Nathan Milliron's harsh words to an IT staffer went viral, and the response to a veteran attorney's demand for an apology drew further criticism of the judge.

You have likely seen video of the incident that happened in March, showing Judge Milliron snapping at an IT staffer who was helping him fix his computer.

Local attorney James Stafford sent the judge an email suggesting that the judge apologize for his behavior, to which Judge Milliron responded by ordering the attorney to appear in his courtroom on April 9.

SEE PREVIOUS REPORT: Judge orders lawyer who criticized his behavior towards IT tech in viral video to appear in court

Stafford made it clear he did not plan to attend, and while he did not make an appearance, members of the local defense bar, the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, were in the judge's courtroom on Thursday morning to observe the proceedings and "make sure no illegal action is taken against Stafford."

While Milliron made no mention of the I.T. tech incident or of Stafford, the HCCLA still spoke out against him.

"At a minimum, that's what James Stafford wanted; an apology to that employee," Brent Mayr, HCCLA president, said. "I think he needs to follow that with an apology. To say, 'look, I'm not going to act like this anymore in the future.'"

Mayr added that his organization has not filed a judicial complaint and that he hopes Milliron's behavior improves.

Judge Milliron has been on the bench since January 2025. He has not responded to ABC13's request for comment on the ordeal.