A few years ago, after spending nearly two decades handling the toughest cases as a prosecutor and juvenile public defender, I thought maybe it was time for a change.  My husband is a civil attorney, and looking at his practice, I remember thinking and joking, Hmm, there's not much trauma in his workload and the pay is way better.  So I decided to try my hand at civil law and took a position with the Memphis City Attorney’s office under Mayor Strickland.

The job was good, the work was interesting, and I learned a lot. But then, September 2022 happened.

Our community went through an incredibly dark, terrifying week of violent crime that left all of Shelby County shaken to its core. Like everyone else, I sat in my home, looked at my children, and felt that deep, heavy anxiety about the safety of our city. But unlike many others, I realized I possessed a very specific, highly specialized skill set. I had close to twenty years of criminal law experience and over sixty jury trials under my belt.

After some reflection, I realized that answering lawsuits and doing civil work, while honorable, wasn't where my city needed me most. I felt a distinct, unmistakable calling to return to 201 Poplar. So I followed that call and returned to the District Attorney’s office to prosecute serious criminal offenses.

As soon as I walked back into 201 Poplar I felt as though I was returning home.

I am not seeking this bench for a title, a pay raise, or a political stepping stone. I am seeking this bench because I want to serve Shelby County in a new role. I am running for Division VIII because, for better or worse, 201 Poplar is my home. I know what works. I know what doesn't and I know I can run a courtroom dedicated to fairness, accountability, and respect.