Each year, National Hispanic American Heritage Month celebrates the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans and their influence on U.S. history.
To recognize this month, we spoke with three Latina judges who are making an impact in the Illinois legal community.
In this spotlight, we hear from Cook County Circuit Court Associate Judge Martha-Victoria Jimenez, who was elected by the public and sworn in on October 4, 2021.
Judge Jimenez previously served as a Supervisor in the Civil Actions Bureau of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Earlier in her career, she was a Senior Counsel for the City of Chicago’s Law Department where she defended FOIA litigation, a civil litigator in private practice, and an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
She graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago and received her J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law and eventually become a judge?
As a child of immigrants, I was a lawyer from birth. I had to help my parents navigate the world in a language they did not understand. I was advocating and filling out forms, translating documents, and attending appointments for my parents from as young as I can remember.
With that experience, pursuing the law and advocacy felt very natural. As a practitioner, I had the great fortune to learn many areas of law, which made me a good candidate for the bench.
My inspiration for all things was my parents’ example of hard work, love of education, and a deep gratitude for this country. Despite not having a secondary education, they married and left their country as teens to pursue a life in a country where they did not speak the language. I cannot imagine the bravery and optimism that would impel someone to do such a thing.
If my parents were capable of doing that then I figured I could rock the LSAT, sit for the bar exam, and pursue the judiciary. If your goals do not scare you a little bit, you’re not growing.
How do you manage a work-life balance?
I once heard someone say that you can have it all, but not all at the same time. I think this is true for all women who want to pursue a career and a family. There will be times in your career when you will have to make concessions to have a family.
There will also be times when you will not be able to be as present for your family as you would wish in order to advance your career goals. The trick is in knowing how to balance the needs of your family and the needs of your career, and to cultivate support.
I am blessed to have a spouse who believes in true partnership and lucky to have a Presiding Judge and Chief Judge who support family-positive policies (thank you, Judge Judy Rice and Judge Tim Evans).
As for self-care, I think it is incredibly important that judges take care of themselves. It is the proverbial oxygen mask in the plane; you have to put it on yourself before you can help someone else.
I am a much better judge when I am taking good care of myself. All the work-life flexibility in the world will not save you if you are unhealthy, not getting enough sleep, or not dealing with stress properly.
How have mentors influenced your career?
I have had the benefit of many great mentors over the years – too many to name them all. In fact, I had never considered the judiciary until my friend and now colleague Judge Rossana Fernandez encouraged me to pursue it.
Justice Debra Walker has been a fantastic mentor and resource, sharing opportunities and leveraging her knowledge to my benefit in incalculable ways.
Justice Celia Gamrath, who I have known since I was an attorney who practiced in the Chancery Division, has encouraged me in my path to the judiciary with her advice and example.
Mentors can see potential in you that imposter syndrome may not let you see in yourself.
How can judges help advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession?
While we are all stewards of the legal profession, judges have a special role to play because we have a leadership role in the courtroom. It is our job to make sure everyone treats each other with civility and respect.
On the bench, judges can censure and discipline parties or attorneys when we observe behavior motivated by bigotry.
As judges, we must also engage in some introspection to make sure we are not letting our own biases creep into cases and to ensure we are treating everyone with fairness.
In our time off the bench, it is essential to mentor people into the profession from underrepresented communities. To maintain public trust and faith in the legal system, it has to look like the community it serves.
Having a diverse legal profession does not only benefit the underrepresented, it enriches the profession as a whole by adding to the depth and breadth of talents, perspectives, and experiences.
Which of your achievements or contributions to the legal field are you most proud of, and how have they shaped your career?
I had the honor to argue a case before the Illinois Supreme Court. Before my time on the bench, I would have told you that this was the thing of which I was the most proud.
However, in the three years that I have been on the bench, it is clear to me that my greatest contribution has been my service in the Domestic Violence Division.
Being able to provide protection and address the needs of people impacted by intimate partner violence has been my most gratifying professional experience.
While the cases are difficult, the work of the Division is crucial to keeping people safe and I feel fortunate to be able to do this important work with a great presiding judge and great colleagues.
Our Professionalism Spotlight recognizes legal professionals throughout Illinois who are admired for their professionalism and civility. Check out more interviews here.
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National Hispanic American Heritage Month Spotlight: Cook County Circuit Court Judge Diana E. López
National Hispanic Heritage Month: Honoring Judicial Trailblazers in Illinois
How to Recruit and Retain Latino Attorneys with HLAI President Andrea Belard
Your writing has a way of resonating with me on a deep level. I appreciate the honesty and authenticity you bring to every post. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.