Throughout her career, she has relied on her family and her faith to remain steadfast
Sophisticated Woman | September 2014
in her convictions.
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comfort to children and adults alike,” the judge says. Judge Amacker needlepoints in her spare time, and her handiwork displaying positive messages, such as “Blessed Are The Mediators” and “Must Love Children,” is seen throughout the public rooms. Adoptions that were once handled as a mere formality are now treated with pomp and circumstance in her division. Children receive their own teddy bears, families are invited to the bench and all attendees are handed lollipops with “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!” announcements. “One of the greatest joys in my life has been to have the ability to answer my phone, sometimes in the middle of the night, and in a few seconds place an abused child in a safe place. To later see these same children being adopted by loving, caring parents, has been the highlight of my career. My colleague, Judge Mary Devereux, and I began an annual celebration of ‘National Adoption Day’ here at the Justice Center, to promote adoptions of these deserving children and we all look forward to this day every year.” Because emotions run high in Family Court, Amacker noted that it takes special skills to be involved in this area of the law. Throughout her career, she has relied on her family and her faith to remain steadfast in
her convictions. “Decisions I make can be life changing. This is a great responsibility and one that I do not take lightly. I pray every day to have the wisdom, strength and courage to do the right thing, no matter the consequences, and for patience,” she says with a knowing smile, “always patience.” Of all her achievements, Judge Amacker states, “My biggest source of pride and most fulfilling job has been just being mom for 27 years. I had the best parents and have a wonderful husband, beautiful daughter and devoted son-in-law. The children are both young lawyers and I hope to have a grandchild soon. I certainly understand how precious family is to everyone.”
“My steadfast husband of 30 years Ted, and my daughter Sasha, have been the primary reasons I have been able to do this job on a daily basis. Regardless of what happens during the day, I always go home to a happy home,” she added. “I want to give the same safe haven to the children and families in my court.” Judge Dawn Amacker is a 22nd Judicial District Court Judge, with jurisdiction in Washington and St. Tammany parishes. Her office is located on the 3rd Floor of the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center in Covington, Louisiana. Judge Amacker is a candidate for Re-Election in Division “L”. For more information, see www.judgedawnamacker2014.com.