Leading with purpose: Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann Timmer on the power of public service

Chief Justice Ann Timmer (JD ’85) built her path to the Arizona Supreme Court by stepping forward when it mattered most. As a graduate of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, Timmer began her career by taking on challenging work early, from arguing motions in a historic impeachment trial to handling high-stakes cases that tested both skill and resolve.

Timmer’s journey reflects the power of taking thoughtful risks and saying yes to challenges that expand both perspective and purpose. Her career has spanned complex litigation, life-and-death cases and roles on both sides of the courtroom. Each experience deepened her understanding of the law and its human impact. Along the way, mentors opened doors, but it was her willingness to walk through them that set her path apart. That combination of preparation and courage ultimately led her to the bench and to her current role as Chief Justice.

At the heart of her story is a deep and enduring commitment to public service. Inspired as a student by the role lawyers and judges play in shaping the nation, Timmer pursued the law as a way to contribute to something larger than herself. She has long viewed the judiciary as central to maintaining trust in democratic institutions and ensuring access to justice for all.

As Women’s History Month is observed and the community reflects on what would have been Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s birthday on March 26, Timmer’s story feels especially resonant. Like O’Connor, she reflects the impact of women who lead with integrity, broaden access to opportunity and strengthen public institutions through service.

In this conversation, Chief Justice Timmer shares the experiences that shaped her journey, her perspective on the evolving legal profession and her call for the next generation to approach public service with purpose, courage and a commitment to making a difference.

Note: Answers may have been lightly edited for length and/or clarity.

Question: You’re an ASU Law alum and now Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court. What experiences along your path most shaped your journey to the bench?

Answer: I think what most shaped my journey to the bench was striving to be the best lawyer I could be and taking some calculated risks along the way. I was a commercial litigator, but I was fortunate to work with people who encouraged me to be more visible and to take on matters outside my comfort zone while still within my skill set.

For example, the partner I worked for served as the prosecutor in the impeachment trial of Governor Mecham. I worked primarily behind the scenes, doing legal research and drafting motions, but during the trial, he gave me the opportunity and encouraged me to argue motions before the Chief Justice and the full Senate, which was acting as the jury. For a young attorney, that was an extraordinary experience. Later, I accepted a federal judge’s request to represent death row inmates in federal habeas proceedings. That work led to defending a murder case in state court and later serving as a special prosecutor in another murder case. Those experiences, along with others, gave me a strong foundation for becoming a judge and the confidence that I could do the job well.

Q: You’ve spent much of your career in roles connected to public service. What motivated you to pursue that path through the law? Why are careers in public service so important today?

A: When I was a sophomore in high school, I had a passionate American history teacher, Skip Schifino, who emphasized the outsized role lawyers and judges have played in shaping our Republic. From that point on, I wanted to be part of that profession and that tradition. I also wanted to be a judge because I believed, and still believe, that judges play an essential role in maintaining and strengthening our democracy.

Q: As we mark what would have been Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s March 26 birthday, many reflect on her historic career as the first woman to serve in all three branches of government. Why is that breadth of public service so remarkable, and what can today’s students learn from her example?

A: In today’s world of specialization, service in all three branches of government is truly remarkable. I think Justice O’Connor’s understanding of, and respect for, each branch made her a better public servant in every role she held.

Today’s students may not have the opportunity to serve in all three branches, but they can still learn from her example. They can make the effort to understand the role of each branch and the perspective of those who serve in them, whatever path they choose for themselves.

Q: With March being Women’s History Month, what progress have you seen for women in the legal profession — and what challenges remain?

A: Women have made significant progress in the legal profession, even since I entered it. When I started practicing, I was often the only woman on a case. I doubt that is true nearly as often today. There are more women in the profession, more women in partnership and supervisory roles and more attention paid to work-life balance for both women and men.

That said, challenges remain. I believe women still lag behind men in attaining partnerships, leadership positions and judgeships. So while the progress has been real and meaningful, there is still more work to do.

Q: You’ve spoken about the importance of expanding access to justice. Why are efforts like the legal paraprofessional program and pathways, such as the Master of Legal Studies, important for helping more people get legal assistance?

A: Lawyers are great. They give generously of their time and volunteer in abundance. But we simply do not have enough lawyers. Arizona ranks 49th among the 50 states in lawyers per capita. The need is real.
Programs like the legal paraprofessional program are designed to create additional tiers of legal service providers who can deliver competent legal assistance to more people. I see this as a redesign of the legal profession, much like the medical profession evolved to include nurse practitioners, phlebotomists and other trained professionals who expand access to care. Pathways like the Master of Legal Studies can also help prepare people to serve as legal paraprofessionals and broaden the public’s access to legal help. 

Q: What advice would you give students who hope to build careers in public service or one day serve on the bench?

A: I would advise them to focus first on becoming the best lawyers they can be and then to take calculated risks that will broaden their skills and deepen their experience. There really are no bad experiences if you are learning and growing from them. Public service positions may not be the most lucrative, but they are deeply gratifying. They offer the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives and in the strength of our institutions.

Q: Public service isn’t limited to the courtroom. From serving on a local school board to volunteering in local organizations, there are many ways to contribute. Why do those forms of civic engagement matter so much to strong communities?

A: We have always been a nation that thrives on self-government, and that principle extends to all of our communities. Strong communities depend on people who are willing to engage, serve, and help solve shared problems.

If we do not have a diverse group of people willing to participate, we lose the opportunity to build and sustain the kinds of communities all of us want to live in. Civic engagement matters because it strengthens both our institutions and our connections to one another.

Q: Looking back on your career — and ahead to the future of the profession — what do you hope the next generation of graduates will bring to public service and the justice system?

A: I hope the next generation brings the courage to stand up for the principles they swear to uphold as lawyers: supporting the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and the laws of the State of Arizona, even when doing so is not the popular thing to do.