BY CATHERINE TAYLOR
Democratic Candidate for
Los Alamos Magistrate Judge

Editor,  

I write to introduce myself to Los Alamos County as a candidate for Magistrate Judge. I graduated from Santa Clara University with a BS Political Science, and I earned my Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. After passing the California State Bar Exam, I began my career as a Deputy District Attorney prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases in adult and juvenile courts. After time off for the births of my two children, I was hired as Deputy Trial Counsel for the California State Bar, prosecuting California-licensed attorneys for ethics and professional responsibility violations, handling cases where discipline ranged from reprovals to disbarments.    

My family moved to Los Alamos in 2016 for a healthier quality of life, and we have never looked back.  Los Alamos reminds me so much of where I grew up—a small town where it seems everyone knows everyone—and I’m grateful my children will have a similar experience. It’s the sense of community that I’ve found here that drew me to public service, and I was hired as the Teen Court Coordinator for the Los Alamos Municipal Court, the position I currently hold. For the last two years, I’ve also served as Vice-President of the New Mexico Teen Court Association, a statewide group of teen court programs, which has introduced me to the broader issues facing New Mexico youth.  

Magistrate Judge is my opportunity to combine my training and experience as an attorney with my knowledge of this community and its strengths and challenges.  Los Alamos requires a Magistrate Judge who is ethical, fair, and able to follow the law. I am that candidate.  

Early voting begins October 11; Election Day is November 8!