It’s not every day that a UWLA graduate runs for Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, but today is that day for Sharon Ransom, JD, Class of 2003. We were able to catch up with Sharon recently to learn more about her story, and we couldn’t be any more honored or proud!

Voting for judges can often be hard, particularly with limited information on the candidates. In that spirit, we wanted to share Sharon’s experience and background with you here. Additionally, we’re proud to note that the LA County Bar Association (LACBA), which evaluates voters’ options in a thorough, non-partisan way, gave Sharon a “Well Qualified” rating in her race. (See the LACBA full report here: https://www.lacba.org/about-us-menu/lacba-committees/standing-committees/judicial-elections-evaluation​​​​​​​)

A self-described true and loyal Angeleno, Sharon grew up in south central Los Angeles, raised by a single parent, and attended LAUSD public schools. She became a single parent herself at age 21 and put herself through school at night while working as a sheriff’s dispatcher. She attended UWLA School of Law, where she was Vice President of the Black Law Students Association, and she graduated Cum Laude, with her J.D. in 2003. She became an attorney just before her 40th birthday. 

After more than 17 years in the Sheriff's office, she spent the next 17 years as a Deputy District Attorney assigned to various units, such as the Victim Impact Program, the Elder Abuse Unit, Major Narcotics, and currently the Mental Health/Psychiatric Unit. During her tenure she has conducted 45 jury trials.

Volunteerism is a key thread throughout her life. During law school, she served as a volunteer at the Harriet Buhai center, where she assisted low-income applicants, who were representing themselves, in completing court documents. She also served as a volunteer at the Los Angeles County Court, where she assisted victims of domestic violence in completing their applications for restraining orders.

Sharon participates as a volunteer in Project Lead, a program designed to teach fifth graders about the criminal justice system and the importance of making good life choices. She also volunteers in the Teen Court Program, a diversion program for juvenile offenders. She has provided training to volunteer advocates who provide assistance to victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. She also has provided training to members of the elder community on issues regarding physical and financial abuse, as well as scams that specifically target our elder population.

Because of her commitment to these causes, in 2014 she was honored with an award during national Victims Rights Week for her work and dedication to victims.

No stranger to challenges, Sharon is a three-time breast cancer survivor and continues to counsel patients who are facing cancer, as well.

For Sharon, her family is a huge priority, and she cherishes time with her mother, daughter and granddaughter. She enjoys softball and bowling and is an LA sports fan through and through, in particular a huge Rams supporter.

On behalf of the entire UWLA community, we believe Sharon has all the legal and life experiences that will make her a tremendous Judge for Los Angeles Superior Court, Seat 60. We wish Sharon the very best during this election and beyond.