Blog Post

Judge Angela Jewell

Posted by: Felissa M. Garcia
May 06, 2009
Topic: New Mexico Divorce and Family Law Real Life Cases and Judges

I have been practicing New Mexico Divorce, Custody and Family Law for a very long time here in Albuquerque, NM and across the State of New Mexico. In my practice of Family Law, I have come across every type of Judge there could possibly be. There are some who are power-hungry, ignorant, fair, honest, polite, rude, angry, tired, and every other possible definition there is out there. Over the long haul, however, I have found that practicing in front of Judge Angela Jewell is one of the best experiences I have had as a lawyer. She doesn't always rule in my favor, I can tell you that, but she LISTENS and then she applies the law. There are times that she applies what she calls "equitable relief" or "equitable justice" and I think that's where she gets into trouble with people criticizing her. But if you were to look at her record over the many years that she has been a Judge, you would see that overall she is probably the most fair Judge on the Family Court bench in Bernalillo County. She doesn't play favorites with attorneys even though you know she likes some more than others. She's very respectful and stern when she has to be.

I don't always agree with her decisions, but that's the way it should be. That's why we practice law is because there is no exact science to it and disagreement is crucial and beneficial to us overall because it is how we grow and how we learn. There are always different points of view. It's when we get stuck with one point of view and fail to even consider that the other side may have some merit to their arguments is when we are headed down the wrong path.

I know there are a lot of people who have criticized Judge Jewell over the internet, at the Court house steps, etc. But I think if you practiced in front of her for as long as I have, and have had so many different issues, factually and legally, before her, you would see that overall she is one of the best Judges our public could ask for. I'm not saying that everybody needs to like her, and I understand the frustrations out there with our Judges. I have my own set of frustrations with some of the Judges as well! I won't get into that now, but later on I'm sure I will.

Have a great week. Felissa M. Garcia