Fourth Judicial Circuit Judge Tatiana Salvador was appointed to the bench in 2012 and took office in 2013. Salvador was re-elected without opposition in 2014.
Who or what inspired you to become a lawyer? I went to college for pre-med, but my college roommate, Michele, who is now a law professor up north, inspired me to change to pre-law. She helped me see that lawyers are natural leaders and teachers and, as such, can affect widespread change for the greater good.
How do you relate your undergraduate degree to your practice on the bench? Political science was the go-to major for most folks with an interest in law, so that’s what I studied. But really, any degree that teaches you to think critically, listen attentively and determine decisively would have related equally well to my practice on the bench.
What community service have you pursued and why? Over the years, I’ve been involved with different nonprofits and groups like Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, OneJax, City Year and Leadership Jacksonville. I’m drawn to organizations whose missions aim to lift up our local community.
Do you serve on any Jacksonville Bar Association committees? The Judicial Relations and Hispanic & Latino Interest committees.
Do you have a leadership role within the community? I serve on the board of directors of City Year Jacksonville and the board of trustees for The Bolles School.
What is your favorite movie? “The Princess Bride”
Do you have any special talents? I’m a pretty good organizer. I’m no Marie Kondo, but with my bins, containers and label maker, I can straighten out and tidy up your closets and drawers.
If you weren’t a judge or lawyer, what do you think you’d be? A doctor, following in my dad’s footsteps.
Have you traveled anywhere exotic? Where? I’ve been to Colombia, which some may consider exotic. For me, it’s the home of my extended family and a place I’ve visited a lot during my lifetime. My most exotic trip to date, though, was to Turkey. Spectacular!
If you could meet someone from history, who would it be and why? I would love to meet any of America’s founding fathers. I’d like to hear all their stories and details about how they formulated our system of government.
What’s your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving. It’s about family, friends, food and gratitude. What more could you want?