Bernalillo County Probate Judge | Albuquerque Journal News
By Journal Staff
PUBLISHED: Monday, May 12, 2014 at 11:11 am………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Editor’s Note: Dominic Levi Lafayette, also a Democratic candidate for probate judge, didn’t respond to the Journal questionnaire or other attempts to reach him. [mjh: I’ve heard he had two DWIs but am unable to substantiate that.]
1.) Please describe what qualifications and skills you’d bring to the probate court over the next four years.
2.) Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
3.) Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
4.) Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
Willow Misty Parks
Willow Misty Parks
POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat
PLACE OF RESIDENCE: Albuquerque
AGE: 43.
EDUCATION: Juris doctorate, University of New Mexico, School of Law, 2003; bachelor of university studies, UNM, 1999; associate of applied science, paralegal studies, Central New Mexico Community College, 1996. Working toward a master’s of business administration, UNM, Anderson School of Management, expected in 2015.
OCCUPATION: Probate judge, 2011—present; attorney, Parks Law Office LLC, 2004-present; business faculty, UNM, 2008-present; business faculty, CNM, 2010-present.
FAMILY: One adult child
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: Bernalillo County Probate Court, probate judge, 2011—present.
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Serving as probate judge since 2011, leading the court through increased caseload, providing legal analysis, selecting and training knowledgeable staff, offering memorable wedding ceremonies, conducting public outreach and education for class tours and organizations.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Earning undergraduate and law degrees. Seeing my daughter attend college as a business major and study abroad in Spain. Writing successful letters of recommendation for my students. Being selected as CNM’s Distinguished Alumna in 2013.
1. Licensed attorney with ten years’ experience in wills/probate law. As the current probate judge, efficiently handled large and legally complex caseloads (2013 had 841 cases). Proven dedication to responsive customer service and community education/outreach.
2. No.
3. No.
4. No.