I have been a public defender for 15 years, and deeply love the work and the law. I have worked with children, young and emerging adults, and adults in the District, Superior, and Juvenile Courts. I have stood beside defendants as they faced a judge thousands of times,  representing clients in Lawrence, Springfield, and Worcester. Though Massachusetts has many exceptionally gifted and capable judges, we also have some critical areas where the judiciary needs improvement. As Senator Mike Barrett said when he endorsed me, "Our judiciary is loaded with prosecutors. Mara has the values and experience needed to get us closer to balance."