Judge Melissa Julian was recently honored by the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel and the Arizona Association for Justice with the Judicial Excellence Award. She was recognized with this award at the AADC and AZAJ Joint Holiday reception at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club. The unique award is given to those who epitomize the highest standards of judicial integrity and professionalism.
“Judge Julian is an extraordinary member of our bench,” said Presiding Judge Pamela Gates. “Her dedication to justice, her thoughtful leadership, and commitment to the people we serve make her truly deserving of this honor. We are proud to see her recognized with such a distinguished award.”
Judge Julian was appointed to the bench in 2019. She currently presides over a Civil Department calendar. She has also served in the Family department.
“There really are no words for how honored I am by this recognition because it comes from both sides of my courtroom (plaintiffs’ and defendants’ lawyers) and it is always my goal to decide each motion and issue before me based on its individual merit rather than because it is favorable to one side or the other,” said Maricopa County Judge Melissa Julian. “To have their recognition is something I will always treasure and I only hope I can continue to be worthy of their trust in me.”
Prior to her judicial appointment, Judge Julian worked as an attorney and partner at Burch & Cacchiolo from 2012 to 2019 and as an associate at the same firm from 2006 to 2012. She also served as Judge Pro Tem at the Maricopa County Superior Court from 2015 to 2019.
Judge Julian earned her Juris Doctorate in 2006 from the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southwestern University.