This is the forty-first article with an up-close highlight of a member of the judiciary.
Tippecanoe Superior Court Judge Faith Graham graduated from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in May 1996. She served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in both Tippecanoe and Shelby counties and as a Deputy Public Defender in Tippecanoe County.
She also was in private practice in Lafayette as an associate in the firm of Gambs, Mucker & Bauman and as a partner in the firm of Grama & Norton. During her legal career, she has represented the Tippecanoe County Department of Child Services and the Tippecanoe County CASA Program, and has served as Guardian ad Litem.
Judge Graham was appointed as the first Juvenile Magistrate in Tippecanoe County. Governor Mitch Daniels selected her to complete the vacated term of now Chief Justice Loretta Rush. The voters of Tippecanoe County elected her to a six-year term in November 2016. Judge Graham presides over all cases involving children – CHINS, TPR, juvenile delinquency, juvenile status offenses, paternity actions involving custody, visitation, and child support disputes.
She is the current Chair of the Juvenile Benchbook Committee and a Board Member of the Indiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (ICJFCJ). She is married to Darryl R. Graham, who is a firefighter for the Lafayette Fire Department.
What do you like most and least about being a trial court judge?
My experience as a trial court judge is limited to juvenile court. My least favorite part of the job is observing generations of trauma, neglect, and abuse within a family. A recent local newspaper article described juvenile court as “soul-sucking,” and it is always challenging to say the least. However, even sparse or small moments of success remind me that there is hope and that sustains me. For example, the random invitation I received from a former CHINS child who is graduating from college, or a former juvenile delinquent who stopped by in his military uniform after basic training – just to let me know they made it. Those were truly wonderful days.
What was your major in college and why did you decide to study law?
My family says I talked about being a lawyer or judge when I was young. At the onset of college, I was uncertain about my major and eventually gravitated toward a psychology degree. I never became interested in becoming a therapist so I pursued a law degree as another way of helping people.
What would you do if you were not a judge?
First, I would take a nap before planning a long vacation. I really enjoyed being a trial lawyer and would consider doing that again. I would also consider using my psychology degree as a school counselor.
Who are the people you most admire?
As a child, I always admired my grandmother. She taught me a great deal about honesty and integrity. She also taught me about forgiveness and hope. I admire people who persevere and overcome despite sometimes overwhelmingly negative history or set of circumstances.
What are your hobbies or favorite leisure activities?
I have always enjoyed sports and adventure. My favorite sport is volleyball, and skydiving is probably my most adventurous activity so far. I love to travel with family and friends – recent excursions include a trip to Disney World with my brother’s family and a trip to New York with my sister’s family. I spend as much time as I can with my nieces and nephews.
What is your recommended reading list?
I have always been an avid reader. I enjoy all kinds of books, but my favorites are lighter reads with a bit of humor and mystery. I joined a book club a few years ago – we are currently reading Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck (not my favorite so far). I do like a book series – the entire Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich was funny from start to finish, and I would recommend it for a good laugh.
Where did you grow up and how would you describe your childhood?
I grew up mainly in the Shelby County area. My family moved many times, and I attended many different schools. My parents valued hard work and education.
Do you have a favorite quote(s)?
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
–Maya Angelou
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
My husband and I were married in Scotland. The weather in Monterey, California is beautiful. I think I like to travel too much to pick just one favorite spot. Most of the fun is in the adventure of finding the spot.
Do you have a favorite meal, recipe, and restaurant?
I can follow a recipe, but I am not much of a cook. My husband works for the Lafayette Fire Department, and firemen tend to be very good cooks. My favorite dishes are a potato and corn chowder and firehouse biscuits and gravy. He also makes the best pancakes ever!