by Liz Daube
Staff Writer
Newly-appointed Circuit Court Judge Mallory Cooper gave advice to the attendees of the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association luncheon last week. She said reputation and experience were the keys to making it to her position on the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court bench.
“I had a reputation for being on time, for being fair, for being courteous,” said Cooper. “Please don’t forget to be courteous. The gossip track is very fast. They (clerks, etc.) hear about it if you do something rude. We (judges and attorneys) don’t hear about it, but everybody else hears about it.”
Cooper spent nine years working within the Duval County courts while getting to handle “a little of everything.” That experience helped her get the Circuit Court appointment, Cooper added, imparting that attorneys shouldn’t overlook the county court as an opportunity.
“Variety is the spice of life: You don’t get worn out by one type of case,” said Cooper. “The great advantage of the county court is that you can get away from it for a little while.”
Cooper said attorneys looking to become judges should take all the advice they can. If someone, hypothetically, mentioned that his brother, Joe, might have some tips, Cooper said, “I’d call Joe.” Those contacts and discussions are vital to getting what you want, she added.
“It (being a judge) is a full-time job when you apply,” said Cooper. “You can’t just be you. I applied three times when I was an attorney. I didn’t have a clue.”
Deborah Greene, president of JWLA, introduced some lesser-known information about Cooper before the speech began.
“She (Cooper) didn’t even decide to go to law school until she was the mother of two young boys,” said Greene. “She started her first law job at 40 years old. It certainly gives me hope for the careers of those approaching middle age.”
Greene also mentioned that most of Cooper’s family practices law. In fact, Cooper’s father, William Durden, served as a Circuit Court judge from 1960-68.
“It’s clear the law is pretty much in her blood,” said Greene.
Cooper later agreed that her family and friends have played a role in her success.
“I’m not sure how I got here,” said Cooper. “But I think it’s because I’ve had a lot of help.”