About Me

Meet Judge Norma:

Norma moved to the Tri-Cities at an early age, the daughter of agricultural working parents at the time. Although living in low-income housing and within modest means, Norma learned the true meaning of dedication, commitment and family values from her parents. A strong work ethic was instilled in her at an early age. Growing up, she came to understand the importance of community, and has always had respect for the law.

  • Go Zags!

Education

A proud graduate of Pasco High School, Norma went on to earn a Bachelor's of Arts degree and Law degree from Gonzaga University. She was the first in her family to graduate from college. Upon returning home, Norma opened her own private law practice in 1994. She built a reputable and successful law firm in the Tri-Cities. Her firm dealt with criminal cases, personal injury, workers compensation, probate, bankruptcy, and civil law.

Legal Experience

Norma has been a member of the Washington State Bar Association, secretary/treasurer for the Benton and Franklin County Bar Association, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Washington Defenders Association, and vice-president of the Latino Bar Association of Eastern Washington.

Unlike her opponent, in her 29-years as an attorney, Norma has handled thousands of felony and civil cases in Superior Court. Additionally, throughout her career, she served as a judge pro tem in municipal and district court. Norma was recently appointed to the non-partisan position of Benton-Franklin Superior Court Judge.

Court Admissions

  • Washington State Supreme Court 1993
  • United States Eastern District of Washington, November 6, 1997
  • United States Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit March 8, 2013

Bar Associations & Professional Societies:

  • Washington State Bar Association, Benton and Franklin Bar Association (Secretary/treasurer 1993-1995)
  • Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
  • Washington Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Washington Defenders Association
  • Latino Bar Association of Washington
  • Washington State Bar Association Litigation Committee – Chair-elect 2013-2014 (Chair 2014-2015 and Immediate Past Chair 2015-2016)

Accolades

  • Benton Franklin Legal Aid Certificate of Recognition 2004, 2014
  • Benton Franklin Adult Drug Court Certificate of Recognition 12/17/2014
  • WSBA Litigation Committee Chair 2014-2015
  • WSBA Litigation Committee Board Member from 2009-2016
  • Selected as the Committee member to interview candidates for the US Magistrate of Eastern District of Washington and make recommendations to the sitting Judges in 2015
  • Letter of Recognition from the Chief of Police for the City of Pasco
  • LULAC Leona Award
  • Co-Grand Marshall Cinco de Mayo Parade
  • Pasco High School Hall of Fame
  • Tri-Cities is home

Community Service

Norma and her husband Mario continue to call the Tri-Cities home, and are fortunate to have raised their children here. She has been active in her community, serving as; a Benton-Franklin Legal Aid Board Member, Tri-Cities Prep Board Member, Circle of Hope Foundation Board Member, YMCA Mock Trial coach and judge, Youth and Justice Forum Committee Member, and youth basketball coach. She was also a founding member of the Benton and Franklin Counties Adult Drug Court.

Norma has overcome many challenges in life, and quickly learned that nothing is given to you free – you have to earn what you get. Growing up, Norma was fortunate to have people who believed in her. She strives to be a role model for others, hoping to teach young people that anything is possible through dedication, hard work, and respect for others. 

Norma would appreciate your vote to continue serving as Superior Court Judge