Barrett announces run for district court judge
Tamra Barrett, a 20-year veteran defense attorney in Hot Springs, has announced her candidacy for Division 1 Garland County district judge.
Barrett, a native of Hot Springs and Lake Hamilton, graduated from Lake Hamilton High School in 1983. She is running for the position currently held by
Judge Meredith Switzer Rebsamen, whose term expires
Dec. 31, 2018. Rebsamen was appointed to the position by
Gov. Asa Hutchinson after the death of her father, David B. Switzer.
“During my tenure as a public defender, I have had the opportunity to serve on thousands of cases within the district court system, providing me with an unparalleled understanding of the needs and expectations of the position, and with clear understanding of the unique opportunity to impact our community by reaching so many people that come through district court,” Barrett said.
“With this insight, I will use my training and experience to make decisions that are fair and impartiality balanced with common sense to all parties involved. A lifelong resident of Garland County, I look forward to the opportunity to ensure the safety, and security of our citizens and families and bring a firm, fair and ethical voice to the bench.”
In addition to serving as a deputy public defender, Barrett runs a private law practice, Barrett Law Firm. She also sat as judge in small claims court for about six months in 2007.
Barrett graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Juris Doctorate in 1994. She is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association, has participated in the mentor program that is part of Garland County Juvenile Court, during college she volunteered at the Little Rock Battered Women’s Shelter and in the Big Brother/Big Sister program and has more recently volunteered at Potter’s Clay for several years.
“Barrett’s volunteer service reinforces her dedication to families and our community,” a news release said. She was a volunteer for six years with Garland County Junior Auxiliary, which focuses on helping children in need in Garland County, serving as both president and vice president, and served two years as P.T.O. president at St. John’s Catholic School, as well as chair of St. John’s large yearly fundraiser, Black Cat Bazaar, for three years.
Barrett has been married to Michael Tankersley for 18 years and has 15-year-old twin sons, Samuel and Jacob, and a 12-year-old daughter, Jillian.
Visit http://www.BarrettforJudge.com for more information.