IM: Where did you find your pretty orange pumps?
HM: DSW. I didn’t need orange shoes—who does? But orange is my favorite color.
IM: No one sees your shoes behind the bench, right?
HM: Although I’m the only one who sees them, I won’t stop wearing them. Despite the black robe, I’m still me. My love for bright colors and appreciation for fashion won’t change.
IM: Best step you’ve taken in these?
HM: They’re my lucky shoes. I wear them when my confidence needs a boost. Their trial run was the 2012 slating convention, where I spoke in front of 500 people. It worked out—I was elected.
IM: Other good-luck charms?
HM: My dad was a judge. Before he died, he wrote me a letter that I keep in my desk. It’s a reminder of what’s important.
IM: You were a journalist. How did you journey to a judge’s bench?
HM: After [reporting for] WISH-TV, I went into public relations and started law school. People might not see the parallels between journalism and law, but both focus on determining the truth and doing so impartially.
IM: Where do you like to get a drink?
HM: Home. Where, funny enough, the first thing I do is take off my shoes.
Photo by Tony Valainis
This article appeared in the July 2013 issue.