Why did you decide to become a WLD member?
Actually, the Hon. Helen Marchal talked me into joining the Women in the Law Division. She talked to me about the great contributions the Women in the Law Division was making to support women in the legal community.
Why did you decide to become a judge?
Jokingly, when I was younger, I used to say I wanted to be a judge without having to ever be a lawyer. I see now the error in my young logic. 😊
I first started thinking that I wanted to become a judge when I was in early college. My father was best friends with Hon. Marcel Pratt. He arranged for me to spend a summer shadowing his wife, Hon. Tanya Walton Pratt, who was, at the time, was presiding over a major felony criminal docket. I spent a summer hanging out in the Court. That’s actually where I met Hon. Heather Welch who was a magistrate at the time.
Judge Pratt has been a mentor to me ever since. I really looked up to her passion for helping people and simultaneously running a court where everyone was treated fairly. I knew I wanted to be just like Judge Pratt when I grew up.
Judge Welch is also one of my mentors today. I had great women to look up to.
What do you like about being a judge?
Being a judge really gives you an opportunity to interact with members of the community. You get to see people on their best days, like when they finally get their maiden name back after a long volatile divorce. You also see people on their worst days, like after a person’s license has been suspended because of his or her 4th conviction for OVWI. As a judge, you get a moment in time with an individual to apply the law to their case, but to give them a glimmer of hope and encouragement as well.
As a judge, you really are in a position where you can help people. I have had people come up to me in Walmart and Target and tell me that I presided over their specialized driving privileges case, and although they were mad that I ordered them back into AA, it really changed their life for the best. Those moments are the reason I love my job.
What do you find most challenging as a judge?
There is so much administrative work that goes into running a court. Very few people know how much administrative work the job entails. It’s all part of helping the court run efficiently though.
What advice do you have for other female lawyers that would like to become judges?
Whatever field you practice in, be the best lawyer you can be. It will really help you out in the long run if people see you as an ethical, prepared, hard-working attorney. Also…network, network, network. Whether we have elections or selection, the more people know you and like you, the easier it will be when its your turn to run or apply.
What advice do you have for young lawyers?
Always be prepared. Find a good mentor. I have mentors now who I call when I need advice. Mentors are invaluable. Find one and nurture the relationship.
What are some of your favorite hobbies or recreational activities?
I LOVE to travel. I want to go as many places as I can. I also really enjoy exercising. I build exercise into my day. I often utilize my lunch hour to hit the gym.
What changes would you like to see to the legal profession in the upcoming years?
I really hope that one day law schools start to have more practical classes. I have always admired how the medical profession requires residency. My friends who went to medical school have a good foundation for how to practice as a medical doctor when they leave school. Law schools could really benefit their students by teaching more practical, hands-on skills during law school
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be remembered as a fair, ethical judge who treated everyone with respect. I also want to make a positive difference in my community.
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