May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! And as part of our Judicial Spotlight series, we’re taking a look at the life and career of our circuit’s first Asian American jurist: Judge Jeanette Bigney.
It was the 1970s when Judge Bigney’s parents decided to leave the Philippines to pursue the American Dream. And it excited them that their young daughter would grow up as a first-generation American. It was her parents that instilled within Judge Bigney a desire to help others, and she acted on that philosophy throughout her childhood. In high school, she participated in multiple community outreach activities that prepared her early for her future career as a lawyer, judge, and public servant.
Tune in to OpenNinth.fm to hear more about her journey to the bench.
Timestamps

00:16 – Introduction to Judge Jeanette Bigney
04:28 – Interest in the law
06:35 – Working in the law field
11:02 – Joining the bench
13:07 – Life of a county court judge
19:42 – Hobbies

Judicial Spotlight

Candid conversations about current topics with court and community leaders.

Government

Growing up, Judge Adam McGinnis had no plans of becoming a lawyer, nor a judge—but life has a way of surprising us. After switching from an electrical engineering major to a liberal arts major in college, Judge McGinnis began to consider law school for the first time in his life. Not long after, he walked into the still-new Barry University School of Law and joined one of its first graduating classes. And, years later, he became the first graduate of Barry to join the bench. Tune in to Open Ninth to hear more about his time in law school and his journey to the judiciary. OpenNinth.fm
Timestamps 
00:16 – Introduction to Judge Adam McGinnis 
07:51 – Interest in the law 
16:06 – Getting started after law school 
22:55 – Running for the bench 
26:28 – First days on the bench 
34:16 – Hobbies

Growing up, Judge Adam McGinnis had no plans of becoming a lawyer, nor a judge—but life has a way of surprising us. After switching from an electrical engineering major to a liberal arts major in college, Judge McGinnis began to consider law school for the first time in his life. Not long after, he walked into the still-new Barry University School of Law and joined one of its first graduating classes. And, years later, he became the first graduate of Barry to join the bench. Tune in to Open Ninth to hear more about his time in law school and his journey to the judiciary. OpenNinth.fm
Timestamps 

00:16 – Introduction to Judge Adam McGinnis 
07:51 – Interest in the law 
16:06 – Getting started after law school 
22:55 – Running for the bench 
26:28 – First days on the bench 
34:16 – Hobbies

Patience is a virtue—but it’s also one of the characteristics that make a great judge. Judge Eric Netcher is no stranger to this. He learned the importance of patience while sharing a room with his older brother throughout his childhood. Now, years later, he appreciates this experience for how it helped him prepare for the bench. Tune in to Open Ninth to hear more about his upbringing and his journey to the judiciary. OpenNinth.fm 
Timestamps 
00:16 – Introduction to Judge Eric Netcher 
08:23 – Interning with Congress 
12:12 – Attending law school 
17:30 – Getting started after law school 
23:18 – Joining the bench

Patience is a virtue—but it’s also one of the characteristics that make a great judge. Judge Eric Netcher is no stranger to this. He learned the importance of patience while sharing a room with his older brother throughout his childhood. Now, years later, he appreciates this experience for how it helped him prepare for the bench. Tune in to Open Ninth to hear more about his upbringing and his journey to the judiciary. OpenNinth.fm 
Timestamps 

00:16 – Introduction to Judge Eric Netcher 
08:23 – Interning with Congress 
12:12 – Attending law school 
17:30 – Getting started after law school 
23:18 – Joining the bench

Growing up, Eddie Jenkins always had an interest in joining the military. He even had his parents sign a waiver so he could join the U.S. Marine Corps at just 17 years old. But, after sustaining an injury in active-duty training upon his return from his service in Afghanistan, his life took a different path. A substance use disorder led to criminal behavior and involvement in our courts.
But his story doesn’t end there. Eddie was determined to turn his life back around. 
Upon entering our Veterans Treatment Court, Eddie learned more about the resources available to support him in his recovery. He made connections with fellow veterans and formed strong bonds with the team dedicated to his case. Despite experiencing some setbacks in his recovery, he stayed committed to the program and bettering his life. And, in 2022, his hard work paid off as he graduated from Veterans Treatment Court. 
Tune in to OpenNinth.fm to hear Eddie speak with Judge Alicia Latimore about his journey through VTC and how his life has changed since graduation. 
Timestamps 

00:18 – Introduction to Eddie Jenkins 
07:36 – Returning home from Afghanistan 
14:35 – Getting involved with the court system 
18:38 – Entering VTC 26:21 – Non-adversarial approach in 
VTC 32:42 – Graduating from VTC

Judicial Spotlight

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