Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is excited to continue our Tips From the Trail interview series featuring leaders who are working in or around politics or have run for office. For this installment, Grace Jackson, 2024-25 WPLN Fellow, spoke with Marion County Superior Court Judge Amy Jones.
Amy has served on the bench since 2012, handling Level 6 Felony and
Misdemeanor cases, Marion County’s red flag gun cases, and overseeing the Mental
Health Alternative Problem Solving Courts. She has a wealth of leadership experiences,
including Presiding Judge of the Marion Superior Court, and contributes to state judicial
committees on behavioral health and jury administration. Amy also serves on
the board of Mental Health America of Indianapolis.
When asked about key skills for her role, Amy emphasized the importance of
patience and active listening. She quoted Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you
said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them
feel.” Her goal is to make sure that everyone who comes to court feels heard and
respected, even on their worst days. "They’re not going to remember exactly what I told them," she said, "but they will remember feeling heard and that they were treated fairly."
As a woman in a field traditionally dominated by men, Amy shared early
experiences where she was mistaken for someone in a support role. However, she
noted the significant progress in women representation in this field and she expressed
optimism about the increasing number of women in law.
Amy also stressed the importance of building connections. For young women
pursuing legal careers, she encouraged seeking mentorship and networking
opportunities. “Send the email, make the call,” she advised. “Most of the time, people
will say yes and be happy to help.” She believes programs like WPLN’s are vital for
creating networks of supportive people and fostering civic engagement. “I’m excited
about the future of aspiring women and being involved and engaged in the civic
process.”
Judge Jones’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of dedication, empathy,
and perseverance. Watch our full live interview with Amy here:
