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Candidate for Division 17 Metro Court Judge

Name: Rachel I. Walker Al-Yasi, Democrat

Age: 50

Campaign Web site address: Still setting up

Occupation: Private practice, civil and criminal

Family: Three children; one cat; three fish.

Education: Juris Doctor, St, Mary's Law School, San Antonio, Texas, 1990; bachelor's in psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas, 1983.

Please list the experience you think would make you a good Metro Court judge.

I have worked since I was 16 years old, including two degrees. I have spent the last five years in Metro Court both as a line attorney and in a supervisory position. I believe Metro Court is an avenue for prevention through education and intervention.

Have you ever been arrested or charged with a felony or misdemeanor? If yes, explain.

No.

What's the best meal you can cook from scratch?

Chiles rellenos casserole.

Last book you read: "The Last Templar."

What was your biggest mistake in life and what lesson did you learn?

Picture it, law school, just before graduation. I'm bleached blond; I decide to be curly and blond. My hair completely melts. Moral: Blonds don't necessarily have more fun.

What distinguishes you from your opponent?

My life experience, work experience, passion for the law and my ability to facilitate resolutions with justice and respect for the community. I have taught both paralegals and law students. I also do pro bono work for the ACORN group, which gives me even more insight as to what the community needs from the legal system.

What is the biggest problem facing the judicial system and what would you do to help solve it?

Larger and larger caseloads and dwindling funding for both the District Attorney's Office and Metro Court. I have a strong work ethic. I will spend as many hours as it takes to quickly and fairly move cases.

The District 17 Metro Court judge handles civil cases up to $10,000 in value. There have been failed efforts recently in the Legislature to increase that amount. Where do you stand on the issue of limiting the court's monetary limit and why?

I oppose any increase, because it would increase the burden on an already overburdened court. Litigants deserve to have their cases heard, quickly and fairly with justice and respect.

Metro Court is often referred to as a "people's court" for civil cases. Do you think the system is intimidating to the general public and, if so, how would you make it more user-friendly?

The civil division is already user-friendly, with forms that someone with a non-law background can fill out. I would make it more user-friendly with more education as to how the process works for all litigants. I believe all parties coming in front of the bench deserve justice and respect from the bench. I will serve the community well as well as the court.