As I think back on this journey – over 20 years spent in the courtroom – it’s truly humbling to realize how deeply this work has influenced who I am.
What started as a passion for helping others and a curiosity to understand different perspectives has turned into a lifelong commitment to serving nearly every aspect of our legal system.
When people ask me what makes me qualified to be a judge, I don’t just refer to one specific title or role. Instead, I highlight the hundreds of families, individuals, and children I’ve supported over the years, as well as the invaluable lessons they’ve taught me.
Throughout my career, I’ve spent:
- 15 years in family court, where emotions run high and lives often hang in the balance.
- 17 years in criminal court, dealing with cases ranging from DUIs to homicide appeals.
- 15 years in civil court, where fairness, rights, and solutions require careful attention.
In that time, I’ve been involved in 757 family and civil court cases, and I’ve been appointed as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) 190 times, representing the best interests of children in challenging situations. Being a GAL has shown me what neutrality really means—being able to stand in the middle of conflict and concentrate solely on the well-being of the child, no matter the external pressures. This role has taught me the importance of listening—not just to what’s said, but to what often goes unspoken.
I’ve also participated in over 100 closed docket trials – averaging five trials a year for 16 years. Each one was unique, demanding preparation, patience, and presence, and each one provided me with new insights about people, the law, and the fragile balance between fairness and accountability.
This journey hasn’t been without its hardships. At times, it’s been emotionally draining. I’ve found myself in tears after hearing about a child’s trauma, and I’ve burned the midnight oil reviewing case law to make sure I was ready to argue the next morning. I’ve walked families through the most difficult times in their lives – divorce, custody battles, abuse, loss – and aimed to be a steady guide helping them reach resolution.
Yet, through all the challenges, this work has only strengthened my commitment. Because at the end of the day, every individual deserves a courtroom that is calm, fair, and fundamentally rooted in justice.
I’ve witnessed how the courts can serve as a place of healing when handled with care. Conversely, I’ve also seen the erosion of trust in the system when people feel ignored or misunderstood. That’s why, if I have the privilege of being a judge, my courtroom will always be one where every voice is heard, every perspective is considered, and every decision is based on the law and shaped by compassion.