Recently, Emily Chimenti had a chance to sit down with Magistrate Waymire, to discuss her life, career, and involvement in WLD. We hope you enjoy getting to meet our December member!
Magistrate Waymire, tell us a little bit about yourself and your career path to become a magistrate.
I was born and raised in the small town of Fairmount, Indiana which is also the hometown of James Dean! I am the youngest of 2 girls. My dad worked at a factory and my mom was a stay-at-home mom. My parents encouraged and inspired my love of higher learning and instilled in me the importance of a strong work ethic and integrity. My late father dropped out of school in the 8th grade to work in the cotton fields in Arkansas. He eventually got his GED while serving in the Army. My mother received the equivalent of a high school degree in Germany and then began working. I was the first person on either side of my family to receive an advanced degree. My parents were my biggest cheerleaders, especially as I began my legal career.
I also developed a love of travel as a child, camping with my parents across the US and also spending part of my summers and occasional Christmas in Germany with my grandparents.
My various career aspirations as a child were veterinarian, flight attendant, nurse and police officer/FBI agent. I stayed busy with church youth group, 4-H, Civil Air Patrol, and being a candy striper at the hospital. After graduating from high school, I headed to Purdue (Boiler Up!), majoring in Criminology, and minoring in history. I got involved in student government in the residence hall and was selected as president of the residence hall for my junior year. I worked in the residence hall cafeteria for my first 3 years at Purdue and was a residence hall counselor for my senior year. I completed an internship at the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office and I also volunteered at local legal aid society cementing my desire to go to law school. I spent the summer after graduating and before entering law school working for the National Forest Service backpacking through the Rawah Mountains of the Roosevelt National Forest.
You have a background in criminal law having previously worked at the prosecutor’s office. How did you decide to enter this field of work? What made you want to then move on to become a magistrate?
I was drawn to the law in my childhood partially based on positive interactions with a couple of State Troopers that lived down the street. My uncle was also a sheriff’s deputy in Memphis, and he was the first one that encouraged me to look into being a prosecutor instead of a police officer.
In law school, I participated in an internship with the Marion County Public Defender’s Office helping on a death penalty case. I was then hired as a bailiff in Criminal Court 5, allowing me to have a front row view of court operations and gaining a deep appreciation for all of the hard-working court staff who make things flow seamlessly for the Judge.
I left the bailiff position to become a certified legal intern for the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, opening the door to a 26 year career as a deputy prosecutor. I then had the privilege of serving as the Deputy Director of the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency.
I applied for the magistrate vacancy because I wanted to play a bigger part in upholding the rule of law and in ensuring due process and maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the criminal justice system. I was humbled and privileged to join the ranks of the dedicated men and women of the Marion Superior Court bench.
Someday when you retire, what is the legacy that you want to leave behind as a judicial officer? What advice do you have for a WLD member who is aspiring to become a magistrate or judge?
Someday when I hang up my robe for the final time, I want to be remembered for fairness and impartiality, for upholding the rule of law, for enhancing the administration of justice and for public service and education.
My best advice for a WLD member who is aspiring to become a magistrate or judge is to build your reputation for integrity and fairness. Remember the oath that you took when you were sworn in as a lawyer. Always be candid and treat everyone with respect. Focus on making a difference in and out of the courtroom. Continue to be an active member of WLD and build relationships with other lawyers and judicial officers that can mentor you.
What do you like to do outside the courtroom?
I cherish spending time with my husband and our sweet old German Shepherd when I am not in the office. I also enjoy daily phone calls with my Mom and spending quality time with her when our schedules align.
In the late spring, summer and early fall, my favorite way to relax on a Saturday or a court holiday is to go kayaking. In the colder months, I enjoy curling up with a good book or watching an interesting movie on Amazon Prime.
On Sundays, I refresh my soul at church and then normally tackle the laundry, meal prep, clean the house and perform other necessary chores. I also enjoy catching up on things over long phone calls with my sister.
What motivated you to become involved in WLD? What would you tell someone if they were on the fence about joining WLD?
I wanted to be able to pay it forward and give back to the profession by supporting and mentoring younger lawyers and law students. I also love that this exposes me not just to women who practice in criminal law, but in all parts of the legal profession. Being a part of the WLD offers a sense of community and many opportunities to serve each other and our community.
If you are on the fence about joining – get off the fence and join now!!! We look forward to having you as part of our group and it will be a rewarding experience.
member center
