Karen L. Parsons
District Court Judge
12th Judicial District --
Lincoln and Otero Counties
Year: 2008
Evaluation: Judge Parsons received positive ratings from both attorneys and non-attorneys. Attorneys and resource staff (e.g. law enforcement and probation officers) rated her well for being courteous to all participants, displaying familiarity with cases through prior preparation, and for having a dignified demeanor. Attorneys also rate the judge well for treating self-represented litigants fairly and for appropriate actions in settlement negotiation. In addition, the court staff gave positive ratings for displaying a sense of fairness, respecting all court employees regardless of their position, and for respecting and cooperating with other judges.
Experience & Education: Judge Parsons was appointed to the District Court in February 1997, and was elected to such position the following year. Prior to her appointment as a District Judge, she worked in private law practice for over 18 years, specializing in family law issues and personal injury litigation. She received her undergraduate degree from New Mexico State University and her law degree from the University of New Mexico.