Candidate Q&A: Jessica L. Richert

Jessica L. Richert is running for Judge of Wayne County Superior Court 2 as an Independent candidate in the 2026 general election.

Bio highlights: Bachelor’s Degree (Criminology) ~ University of South Florida; Juris Doctor Degree ~ Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law; Licensed to practice law in Florida (09/2016) and Indiana (04/2018); Owner of Cease Fire Family Law Center, LLC

I have represented clients in numerous case types such as criminal, CHINS (DCS Dependency), divorce, custody, child support, business, real estate, criminal appeals, CHINS and TPR appeals, and general civil. I am also a registered domestic relations mediator and have served as a Guardian Ad Litem (IN) and Guardian Ad Litem attorney (FL).

Prior work experience includes manufacturing, automotive, retail, and construction.

Reasons you ran: Serving my community as a judge has been my goal since I was a little girl. I have been building my qualifications throughout my life through my general work experience, education, community involvement, and legal practice. For me, the question has always been when? The answer is now! I believe I am uniquely qualified to implement creative processes and procedures to address the challenges facing our Court and community in this moment. Additionally, with my son preparing to graduate from high school, I will have the time and energy to commit fully to the heavy responsibilities of this important role.  

Top priorities: My priorities, with an overarching focus on the safety and wellbeing of our community, are: 1) Fairness and Impartiality: Everyone will have equal footing stepping into my Courtroom. I will acknowledge the human element of the justice system and treat every individual with respect. 2) Efficiency: I will evaluate processes, use technology and other unused or underutilized resources, and otherwise always seek ways to improve. Efficiency equates to less financial waste and quicker processing of cases- because no one wants to wait what feels like forever for their issues to be resolved. Efficiency also includes efficacy, so advocating for programs like drug court and “in-house” mediation are included here as well. 3) Collaboration and Information Sharing with the Community: While confidentiality is of the utmost importance in many court matters, when the general community has more input and access to basic information, they can feel more confident in the Court.

Specific skills: Proven work ethic: Our Judges have heavy caseloads, and each case requires time and careful consideration. Whether I was on the assembly line, seating guests at a restaurant, or negotiating a multi-million-dollar divorce settlement; I have always been dedicated to giving my employer/client my best. I am not satisfied with half-hearted efforts and always push myself to improve.

Diverse legal experience: I have represented clients in a wide variety of cases in both Indiana and Florida including juvenile delinquency, dependency (CHINS), divorce/custody, criminal defense and appeals. I am also an effective mediator, working to quickly resolve family law disputes. 

Should continue: Our judges work diligently to uphold the law and issue legally sound rulings, despite the heavy caseloads they each carry.

Needs to change: I will utilize my skills and experience to assist in developing new ways to address the issues of substance abuse related cases, local attorney shortages, and long wait times for litigants. Specifically, I would like to pursue an “in-house” mediation program that allows lower income litigants to attempt to resolve their cases faster, which helps alleviate wait times and further conflict for the parties, and removes cases from the Court’s docket so other cases can move forward quicker.

Accept election results: I fully intend to accept the results of the election.

Funding strategies: In manufacturing, the philosophy of Kaizen (continuous improvement) and the methods of Lean and Six Sigma are often utilized to improve processes and outcomes and minimize waste and inefficiencies. As a business owner, I have applied each of these principles to manage finances carefully while ensuring that the quality of services provided is not only maintained but improved upon consistently. Coming from a working-class family, I was raised to understand the value of a dollar and know from experience how to make each penny count. As a judge, I will implement these same principles and experiences to evaluate processes and spending, reduce wasteful and inefficient processes, and consider creative, cost-effective methods for addressing issues. I will also utilize my advocacy and mediation skills to work with applicable funding sources and other members of the judicial system to procure/sustain the necessary funding for the Court to serve our community.

Engaging the public: For many, the court and justice system may seem like an institution shrouded in mystery. While there is information available for those who are particularly interested and willing to seek it out, it can be difficult to know what, if any, input the public can give when it comes to the Court. I will participate in civics education programs and work with the Clerk of Court and others to fully utilize multiple methods for distributing general information about the Court to the wider public and seek feedback and input from the community when it is possible and appropriate.

Other comments: I’m running as an independent because justice should never be about politics. The courtroom should be a place where every person stands on equal footing; where the law is applied with compassion, consistency, and common sense. This year, slow down at the polls, because YOU have a choice.

If elected, I will serve with fairness, humility, and heart. I will bring to the bench not just legal experience, but life experience, a proven work ethic, and a deep commitment to the people of Wayne County. Together, we can build a court that reflects the best of who we are: fair, firm, and compassionate. Thank you, and I would be honored to earn your vote for Judge of Wayne County Superior Court 2.