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St. Joseph Superior Court judge
Arizona State University
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
Growing up, we lived on a farm, and very frequently, my grandparents and my parents would push me to education, education, education.
They said: “Doctor or lawyer. There’s neither in our family. You’re going to be one.” At first, I thought I was going to be a doctor. And then one day, I came home from school and all of our belongings were on the front yard, and we didn’t have anywhere to go. I was a very young person, and that left its mark on me. We didn’t know any lawyers, but I felt like there was a secret language that would give the answer. I realized that it’s the law that would give me the answers. That just stuck with me, so I decided to go into law.
What does “diversity, equity and inclusion” mean to you?
It means making sure that we’ve thought about an issue from several different angles and have incorporated people’s experiences to make things better. And it means making sure everybody at least has a chance to sit at the table.
Why is DEI important to the legal profession?
Every day I see people come into my courtroom who feel like nobody understands where they’re coming from. I hear more often than not that people feel comfortable when they see other people who look like them on the bench and as lawyers or paralegals. They feel that there’s a connection that can be made, that maybe they’ll be understood. I think people trust the process more when they think that the people who are present in the room can relate to something they’ve experienced.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My dad always told me: Just trust God. Put one foot in front of the other.
What advice would you give to young attorneys?
I always love having interns and externs. I always invite them to come to see my courtroom. I always tell them: If law interests you, it doesn’t matter what kind of law you think you like right now, try it, because there’s something that you are going to be able to do with that degree. Find your niche because there’s someone who needs your services in the law, no matter what area you’re in. Just do your best. There’s a spot for you.
How do you spend your free time?
The little free time I have, I really like to spend with my kids. We enjoy reading about superheroes and watching the superhero movies. And I love dancing with my husband.
What was your favorite—and least favorite—class in law school?
I had really, really great professors. I’m kind of spoiled. They all cared very deeply and made everything interesting. I probably found myself more interested in constitutional law than I thought I would be. I also really enjoyed my international law class.
What advice would you give to young attorneys?
Find your niche because there’s someone who needs your services in the law, no matter what area you’re in. Just do your best. There’s a spot for you.
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