Tell me about yourself prior to attending law school.
I am from a small town in Illinois called Belvidere. It is outside Rockford. Not a lot of people know it. I graduated with almost 500 people, and only twelve of them were minorities in my whole class. I didn't really think that I was going to go to college, but by a freak accident, I went to a basketball tryout with my best friend, and it changed. She was going to a college basketball tryout where the coach asked me if I played basketball, and I said yes. He let me play, and I ended up getting a full ride.
What made you attend law school?
After college, I got a job at the public defender’s office in Key West, Florida, and it was cool. All the attorneys were just really impressed with my work and suggested that I go to law school. So, I ended up taking the LSAT and got into the Arizona Summit Law School at 29 years old.
Can you tell us about your experience with JIOP, including the judge you interned with, your time there, and how this amazing experience opened doors for you after completing your internship?
My JIOP experience was great! I got assignments from all the judges. I was supervised by the Chief Staff Attorney for the Supreme Court of Arizona, Patience Huntwork.
Patience Huntwork is a very big part of my story and success. Throughout my internship and beyond, I have developed a great relationship with her. I can talk to her about anything. Patience gives me advice and broadens my professional network and invited me to be a part of her Inn of Court. During law school, we would frequently discuss my courses and the bar exam. One of the things I learned working with Patience and as a JIOP intern that helps me today in my practice is the ability to write motions and briefs for the court in a clear and concise manner. Writing for the court was a struggle for me. I think I would not be the writer that I am today without Patience and all her guidance, so I do have her to thank for that.