I didn’t take a traditional path to the courtroom.

As a young adult, I worked as an actor—an experience that ultimately became my path to college and law school. It taught me resilience, confidence, and how to connect with people from all walks of life.

I began my legal career working alongside prosecutors, then moved into criminal defense, where I spent over a decade as a Los Angeles County Public Defender. I handled everything from juvenile cases to serious felony trials, standing beside people at the most difficult moments of their lives.

Today, I serve as a Deputy County Counsel in the Justice and Safety Division, working on complex legal issues that shape policy and public safety in Los Angeles County.
I ran for judge in 2022 while pregnant. Now, I’m running again as a mother—because I know firsthand that the decisions judges make affect families, futures, and entire communities.

Judges in Los Angeles County can be assigned to any court, and any type of case.  My experience in criminal, civil, and administrative law is unique and gives me the breadth of practice necessary to assess facts, follow the law, and reach fair decisions no matter what courtroom I get assigned to.  

The public must trust that courts will treat them with dignity and respect.  As a judge, I will run a prepared and efficient courtroom where everyone is heard and due process is protected. Serving as a judge is the next step in a lifelong commitment to justice and public service.  I look forward to continuing to serve our community. 

Public service has always been important to me, both inside and outside the courtroom. My commitment to public interest work was shaped early on during my time at the University of California, Davis, School of Law, when I first externed at Legal Services in 2006.  Although I have experience working with the public daily as a County employee, I have also tried to stay engaged with the community in practical ways outside of my job. I volunteer as a judge for moot court competitions, helping law students develop the skills and confidence they’ll need as future advocates. I also spend time giving back locally, volunteering with our local public schools, and providing meals to neighbors in our community who are experiencing homelessness or are struggling with other hardship. 

I have three kids-a preschooler, elementary student, and a middle-schooler. I try to involve them as often as possible in these efforts because I want them to share these values and become adults who believe in participation as well. 

For me, these efforts are about staying connected to the people in our community, and helping to create the world in which I believe we all deserve. Judges should understand the communities around them, not just the law in books.  Staying involved keeps me grounded and connected.  I understand the real challenges people face, and it reinforces my commitment to ensuring equity, compassion, and dignity both in  and out of the courts.