This is the seventh of our Court Times articles that highlight up close and personal a member of the Indiana Judiciary. Marion County Superior Court Judge Robyn L. Moberly is our judge featured in this issue. Judge Moberly was first elected as Superior Court Judge in 1996, and re-elected in 2002 and 2008. She graduated from Indiana University in 1975, and received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University-Indianapolis in 1978. She is a Member of the Judicial Education Committee, and a Member of the Board of Managers, Indiana Judges Association, serving as its Secretary-Treasurer from 2007-2009, and currently serves as its Vice President through 2011.
What do you like most, and least, about being a trial court judge?
I love the jury trials. I can feel the excitement and energy in the courtroom when I first take the bench. Everyone in the courtroom knows that they are a part of something important.
The aspect of my job I like the least is the stacks and stacks of paperwork. The minute you think you have it done, there’s more to do.
What was your major at Indiana University and why did you decide to study law?
I majored in Economics at IU. I love learning and I wanted an advanced degree, so I applied to law school. Law fascinated me since it’s a reflection of the expectations and interactions of individuals, businesses and institutions. I can’t imagine anything else that could be as interesting.
What would you do if you were not a judge?
I’d love to be a florist. A friend’s daughter owns a wonderful floral shop in Indy and I frequently go there to pick up flowers and watch her arrange floral designs.
Who are the people you most admire?
I admire Bill and Melinda Gates, among many others. In my mind, they really walk the talk. They have taken their immense fortune and they are using it to make a difference in the world. They aren’t just giving away their money; they are devoting their lives to their belief that every human life has equal value. Their efforts have truly made a difference in the world.
What are your hobbies or favorite leisure activities?
I love to do yoga. Anne Jordan at the Indiana Judicial Center introduced me to yoga a few years ago and now I’m hooked on it.
What are your favorite books and have you read any recently, or are reading now, that you would recommend?
My favorite book is Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I recently finished American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham. The political intrigue was interesting to read about, largely because it reminds us the more things change, the more they stay the same. I just finished reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Lars Steigman on my new Kindle. I’d recommend the book, and the Kindle!
Where did you grow up and how would you describe your childhood?
I grew up in San Francisco, Washington DC and Indianapolis. My father was an agent with the Central Intelligence Agency which caused us to relocate regularly. His job brought us into contact with some fascinating people. A small part of his job was to relocate defectors and on occasion he invited them to dinner at my parents’ house. I remember one defector’s story of escape from behind the Iron Curtain that still inspires me.
Do you have a favorite quote(s)?
“Well done is better than well said.”
—Benjamin Franklin
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Blackberry Farm. It’s a small place in Tennessee with wonderful scenery, friendly people, and terrific organic food.
What is your favorite meal/recipe/restaurant?
My favorite food is artichokes with hollandaise sauce, which is a dish very popular in California, where I lived as a child. One of my favorite restaurants is a little neighborhood place here in Indianapolis, Marco’s, where my husband and I frequently go for a Friday night date. We always see people we know there and it’s a very relaxed atmosphere. For a special occasion, I love to go to Oakley’s Bistro, which is also in our fair city.