ON THE RED COUCH
Leading the way in the courtroom Parents inspire four female attorneys to a career in law Photos by Henry A. Barrios
Floyd: As a child, I loved to read. I knew my local librarian by name. I loved watching the news and reading the newspaper and true crime novels. I started on my way to law school in sixth grade. Avila: I have always wanted to make a difference in my community. When I was studying in college, I noticed that at the forefront of all the great movements and causes for justice, there were always lawyers leading the way. More importantly, the lawyers had the power to right wrongs and truly change the world. It was clear this was the field for me. Lopez: It was a process that led to a moment. Unlike some people who were born knowing they wanted to be a lawyer, as a member of a farmworker family, the only lawyer I ever knew was Perry Mason from the TV series. I’m sure I must have been impressed with the way he controlled the courtroom because it sure wasn’t because I looked like him. I also loved the fact that he never lost a case. On a serious note, I always knew I was “good” with people and that I had a tenacious nature to fight for what I believed. Although my parents had very minimal education, they had the innate ability to instill in me the confidence that I could do anything as long as I worked hard and went to college. Walters: I couldn’t be a rock star, so it seemed like a good choice. I could argue for a living, how great is that? Bakersfield Life
11 years of experience, deputy district attorney, Kern County District Attorney’s office gang unit
Jennifer C. Floyd
What led you to a career in law?
36
Wendy Avila
January 2011
20 years of experience, owner of The Law Offices of Jennifer C. Floyd / Attorney at Law