Washita County Associate District Judge Brooke Gatlin recently completed an intensive two-week General Jurisdiction course for new judges at the National Judicial College. The immersive course aims to provide judges with a solid foundation on courtroom leadership, judicial ethics, evidence, case management, judicial security, and decision-making. Graduates can earn credit hours toward a Master of Judicial Studies degree.
“For many judges the transition from bar to bench is very swift and there is no ‘how-to guide’ available,” Judge Benes Z. Aldana (Ret.), president of the National Judicial College, said. “Judges must be lifelong learners and build a network of relationships with other judges they can reach out to on a regular basis. We were pleased to welcome Judge Gatlin to the College and hope we can continue to serve as a resource throughout her judicial career.”
During the General Jurisdiction course, judges learn from top faculty recruited from the judiciary as well as subject matter experts from around the country. In addition to classroom style learning, the course frequently breaks into small discussion groups that allow judges to have in-depth conversations and work through issues currently before them.
“My time at the NJC was wonderful. I met some great people and learned A LOT,” Judge Gatlin said. “I have always viewed my role as one of service. I have returned home from my time at NJC with a renewed focus and energy and am excited to use some of the things I learned. ”
Judge Gatlin was elected as Associate District Judge for Washita County after running unopposed in the Fall of 2022. She took the Bench in January, 2023.