On September 2, 2021, the Women’s Law Section of the Williamson County Bar Association presented Judge Stacey Mathews with a Certificate of Excellence in recognition of her commitment to mentorship in the courts. Mathews has served as Judge of the 277th District Court in Williamson County since 2013, and presides over a docket comprised of adult criminal and juvenile cases.
“Great education takes place in school settings,” said Mathews, “however, some of the most lasting lessons are learned through the real-life experiences that are found in mentorship programs.” This past summer, Mathews, who prior to entering the field of law was an educator, served as a mentor for the Georgetown ISD Teacher Externship Program. In this program, a GISD teacher spent a week in her court, learning about the legal process in adult cases and juvenile cases, and incorporated what she learned into lessons for her students.
In her docket Mathews has a first-hand view of the cycle that results in criminal activity. This led her to create the Transformative Justice (TJ) Program, which is focused on teaching pro-social life skills and addressing the underlying issues that bring emerging adults into the criminal justice system. A key element of that program is mentoring – helping program participants learn skills and behaviors through working with successful peers and professionals. “We want to get ahead of the curve with our participants and show them that there is a better way,” said Mathews. “That message is best delivered when they are working with someone they can relate to – a mentor.”
Mathews has been involved in other mentoring programs through the courts and professional organizations. Before being appointed to the bench, and currently through the Inns of Court, she has mentored new attorneys, helping them to put into practice what they learned in law school. “I am proud to be able to give back to my community through mentorship, which is really an opportunity to help build a stronger Williamson County for generations to come,” said Mathews.
Comments