Bryn Mawr Alumna Judge Tameiki Lunn-Exinor ’95 visited BMOS students this month to share her experiences as an Associate Judge in the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City.
She described the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City as the “people’s court” because most everyone experiences the district court in some way, whether it is for a parking ticket or civil dispute. Two favorite aspects of the job are meeting new people and the variety of cases she hears. “Every day is different,” she said.
As a certified mediator, Judge Lunn-Exinor frequently employs these skills to reach the best resolution for all concerned before it comes down to a judgment. “Making sure that people feel heard” when they come before her in court is of the utmost importance.
At least four Bryn Mawr alumnae are working as judges in the Baltimore area and Lunn-Exinor said that in her discussions with them, they all agreed “Bryn Mawr shaped us to be able to advocate for ourselves and to advocate for others.” She reflected that “the ability to advocate for self, public speaking and effective time management are the skills from Bryn Mawr that most help me now.”
Students were curious to hear about Lunn-Exinor’s time as an opera singer and how she navigated her path from high school to the District Court. Learning how she maintains balance amidst the conflict and trauma stories she presides over daily was fascinating. One practice that is crucial to her wellness is not ever taking work home with her. Her message to students: “Success is being 100% yourself and being happy with what you do.”
