How a Spanish-Speaking internship led Judge Escobar to Criminal Law – Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

20th Judicial District General Sessions Court Judge Ana Escobar

Judge Ana Escobar, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, has been a resident of Music City for over 51 years. She attended high school and Vanderbilt University in Nashville before deciding to pursue a career in law.

After graduating from Vanderbilt, Judge Escobar attended George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. Although she initially thought she wanted to be a lobbyist, an internship opportunity at the Nashville Public Defender’s Office sparked her interest in criminal law.

Throughout her career, Judge Escobar has held various positions, including solo practitioner, public defender, district attorney, deputy director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, and metro clerk. However, her passion for criminal law always drew her back.

Passion for Criminal Law

During her time as a team leader for domestic violence at the district attorney’s office, Judge Escobar developed a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding domestic violence cases. When a General Sessions slot for domestic violence opened up, she decided to run for the bench and was elected in 2018 and again in 2022.

Judge Escobar finds great fulfillment in her role as a judge, particularly in providing services, classes, and accountability to the accused in order to help improve family dynamics. She admires the courage it takes for individuals to come to court and accuse a loved one of wrongdoing.

Spanish-Speaking Advantage

Judge Escobar’s ability to speak Spanish has been instrumental in her career. As a prosecutor, she even traveled to Mexico to prosecute a case alongside one of the district attorneys. In private practice, she served as both an interpreter and a lawyer, providing valuable assistance to attorneys who hired her for her language skills.

On the bench, Judge Escobar’s background and language abilities help put individuals at ease, as they know there won’t be a language barrier during proceedings. Although she is fluent in Spanish, she still uses an interpreter in her courtroom to ensure accurate communication.

Mentoring and Community Involvement

Judge Escobar enjoys sharing her experiences with young people considering legal careers. She encourages law students to shadow her in court and engage in community activities to gain a better understanding of the people they will serve.

As a mentor, Judge Escobar believes in supporting and encouraging others, particularly women in the legal profession. She values the connections she has made through the Academy for Women of Achievement (AWA) and the Nashville Hispanic Bar Association.

Hispanic Heritage Pride and Diversity on the Bench

Judge Escobar takes pride in being the first elected Hispanic judge in Tennessee. She hopes that her achievement will inspire other young lawyers to pursue political positions and increase diversity on the bench.

Understanding cultural differences is crucial for Judge Escobar, especially when it comes to interacting with Hispanic individuals involved in legal proceedings. She recognizes the importance of providing support and advocating for those who may not be familiar with the legal system.

Boards and Committees

Judge Escobar has served on numerous non-profit boards and state and metro committees. One of her favorite experiences was serving on the state judicial nominating commission, where she had the opportunity to travel across Tennessee and interview potential candidates for governor. This experience allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse challenges faced by different communities.

Working with individuals from all walks of life is what brings Judge Escobar happiness in her current role. She compares the General Sessions Court to an emergency room, where cases are triaged and immediate action is taken. She finds fulfillment in providing assistance and accountability to those who come before her.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressed in the article:

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. Specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content:

• SDG 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article:

• Number of women in leadership positions in the legal profession (implied)
• Number of attorneys who speak Spanish (implied)
• Number of Hispanic judges in Tennessee (implied)
• Number of non-profit boards and committees served on by Judge Escobar
• Number of diverse candidates interviewed for political positions

4. Table presenting the findings:

Source: tncourts.gov