From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. Although I did not know then what a lawyer’s job encompassed, I admired what I found to be a profession that helped people right a wrong. One of the first highly publicized cases I remember relatively following was the Jeffrey Dahmer case, specifically the sentencing statements from the victims. I remember Dahmer’s demeanor and the attorneys’ decorum, but mostly, I remember the Judge empathizing and listening to the families of the victims and how vocal they were, as well as how traumatized the public had become by the constant coverage and knowledge of the vile actions of Dahmer. However, it was not until years later, when I was researching the case, that I came across Judge Laurence Gram’s rendered sentencing. I knew I wanted to be a judge. Judge Gram said, “People are looking to me to provide protection to the community.” While I do not think it is the judge’s job to provide ‘protection’ in the traditional meaning, I realized and wish to serve my community by assuming and accepting the severity of the role a judge plays in being that final barrier of justice for someone who has been harmed.

Further, in my experience, the most effective judges are those who show knowledge and compassion for the law, articulation, and understanding of the issues, but most importantly, the ability to personalize and relate to the parties/community in an effort to extend the arms of justice without being intrusive, biased, or detached. In my role as the Supervising Attorney for the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Division, in many circumstances, parties felt my role was similar to that of a Judge. I shouldered that perception with great care and consideration. When parties did not like the GAL assignments, did not agree with the court’s rulings or the GAL’s recommendation, struggled with understanding the issues or law, or felt attacked, manipulated, or unheard by the other parties or the Court - I was usually the person the parties would call for a voice of clarity, even if they knew I would not say what they wanted to hear. My direct demeanor, my ability to articulate complex legal issues in a simplified manner, my drive to bring knowledge to all parties, and my provision of reasoning, logic, and relatability are traits that I value in judges who preside over my cases, and they are values I will bring to the bench.

Lastly, I want to serve the people of Milwaukee as a judge because I will bring an understanding of most areas of law due to my diverse legal background, as well as my cultural connection to diversity of the community in which I live. Not only do I work and live in Milwaukee County, but I get involved and immerse myself in the various populations and environments because I truly love my community.

I hope I can earn your support!

— Rochelle N. Johnson-Bent