Bio For Probate Judge 1, Judge Yvonne Rodriguez

Judge Yvonne Rodriguez, Probate Court No. 1

OCCUPATION

Judge, Probate Court No. 1

EDUCATION

Mary Hardin Baylor, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Baylor College of Law: Juris Doctorate

NUMBER ONE CAMPAIGN FOCUS: I am running on my record as the most qualified candidate, a judge that is caring, committed and compassionate. I am a people’s judge who has taken time to educate our community about guardianships, mental health cases and probate. As the first Latina Probate judge in Texas, I have developed three volunteer programs. The companionship program, the first of its kind in Texas, is one which pairs community volunteers with elderly and disabled wards who don’t have family or friends. My court visitor volunteers check on over 800 wards annually. Our internship program with UTEP and EPCC students afford real world experience to over 70 students each year.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR OPPONENT?

I am an independent judge that is beholden to no one. Do to my life and work experiences, I have a passion for protecting and providing services to the elderly, mentally disabled and the mentally ill. My staff and volunteers have established strong relationships with over 800 wards and their guardians. I am the first and only member of my family that has graduated from college, as well as, had the opportunity to become a judge.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFIES YOU FOR THE POSITION YOU SEEK

I have been the judge in this court for the past three years. I am the only candidate with judicial experience. In addition to the volunteer programs, I have done countless hours or community outreach educating people about the services we offer. I have developed and trained my staff to understand to efficiently and expeditiously handle our caseload. Further, my background in psychology has enabled me to listen to the mental health cases not only with empathy, but also with understanding.

DESCRIBE A MOMENT THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE

The day my daughter was born, my life had new meaning. In my professional life, it was the day I passed the bar exam and I realized my life long dream of becoming a lawyer. And lastly, the voters of El Paso demonstrated their faith in me by my election as the first Latina Probate Judge in the State of Texas.

DO YOU HAVE A WEBSITE, TWITTER OR FACEBOOK ACCOUNT?

OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION FOR VOTERS:

Andrea Ramirez at 874-2887