Lauren Ferris, Candidate for El Paso Municipal Court 4
Lauren K. Ferris
Campaign Social Media Accounts and Website:
www.electjudgeferris.com, www.facebook.com/electjudgeferris
Campaign Email Address:
judgelaurenferris@gmail.com
Elected Office you are seeking:
Judge, Municipal Court #4
BACKGROUND: Where did you go to school to get your bachelor's, your law degree, and who is (are) your current employer(s):
Graduate of Captain John L. Chapin High School; Bachelor's Degree from UTEP in 3 1/2 years with a Major in Political Science, Minor in Criminal Justice (graduated Magna Cum Laude); Law Degree in 2 1/2 years from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law.
I am employed by the City of El Paso as a Municipal Court Judge, and have my own private practice. I also volunteer as a Mediator with the El Paso Dispute Resolution Center.
1. What makes you qualified for the position that you are seeking (3-4 Sentences Max)?
I am the incumbent judge of Municipal Court #4. I was previously a City Prosecutor starting in 2012, then Defense Attorney in 2019, and the current judge for Municipal Court #4. I have devoted over 8 years of practice to municipal law. I have the unique experience of having all perspectives in the Municipal Courtroom. I am able to run my court efficiently with extensive knowledge of municipal law and Class C Misdemeanors because of my previous and current experience. I do not have a learning curve so time and resources are prudently utilized. Additionally, I am a certified Mediator which allows me to further remain impartial and help with resolutions of cases. I am also a member of the Texas Bar College, constantly furthering my legal education to stay up to date with the law and changes pertinent to my position and the legal field.
2. What are the three main functions of the office you are currently seeking?
To be fair and impartial when evaluating cases; to be a public servant for the citizens of El Paso and ensure justice is served; to uphold the integrity of the Court and promote efficiency in the judicial system
3. What is the greatest obstacle you might face? Do you plan to serve in El Paso Municipal Court for a long time or plan to move on to another city or a more significant position after a few years of serving (3-4 Sentences Max)?
Currently, the greatest obstacle is working through the backlog of cases due to COVID-19. However, I have already volunteered to take on additional cases in my court and am still able to get through more cases in an efficient manner because of my experience and knowledge. As the incumbent judge with years of experience in Municipal Court, I am confident there is no obstacle that I cannot overcome. I plan on remaining in El Paso and serving our community as a Municipal Court Judge as long as our citizens elect me to do so.
4. How long have you been a lawyer? Are you a member of the El Paso Bar Association?
8+ years. Yes.
5. List all community/civic organizations in which you are a current member, and in what capacity do you serve, or how else do you give back to the community (3-4 Sentences Max)?
El Paso Young Lawyers Association- Secretary
Humanitarian Coordinator- St. George Antiohcian Orthodox Christian Church
Humanitarian Coordinator- Archdiocese of North American Antiochian Orthodox Women (National level)
I volunteer with as many events and organizations as possible. I helped process migrants and provide basic necessities upon their arrival to El Paso in conjunction with the Annunciation House. I helped put together various events benefitting non-profit organizations such as toy drive for the Center Against Family Violence, blanket and jacket drive for different homeless shelters. I also volunteer annually at the Feeding the Homeless Thanksgiving event and annual Senior Citizens Dinner at St. George among additional activities. On a national level, I coordinate activities and partnerships with non-profit organizations that benefit less fortunate individuals in different ways around North America and sometimes the world.
6. Are you a current member of any other local Bar Association(s) (3-4 Sentences Max)?
El Paso Young Lawyers Association
El Paso Bar Association
I was recently admitted in to the Western District of Texas Court and plan on joining the Federal Bar Association.
7. Why do you want to be elected to that Judicial Position (3-4 Sentences Max)?
As the current Municipal Court Judge of Court #4, I genuinely love my job. I witnessed previous interactions in Court as a Prosecutor and Defense Attorney that I necessarily did not agree with and sought to make a change as well as promote efficiency in my court. I believe in utilizing our judicial system to rehabilitate offenders and make positive changes that will benefit the community as a whole. Municipal Court is often the one and only court that an individual will attend. It is imperative to have a Judge with experience and knowledge not only of the law, but of policies and procedures to better serve those that come before the Court. My job is not done, and I want to continue serving our great City.
8. What else would you like the El Paso Community to know about you (3-4 Sentences Max)?
I am the granddaughter of Lebanese immigrants and was raised to help the less fortunate. I have a passion for community service and giving back to my community. I have been a public servant and engaged in community work since I was a child. I continue to fulfill those desires. As Judge, people can feel they have their voices heard in my court. Anyone that comes before me is treated with fairness, respect, and dignity.
I have 5 cats and 1 dog.
I love hiking and spending time outdoors.
I love to bake.
I enjoy volunteering and helping those less fortunate.
I am a National Award Winner for Nestle Tollhouse "Bake Some Love" Competition.
