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Meet the Judge

Taber brings 42 years of experience to Paradise Valley court

Posted 11/12/19

J. Tyrrell Taber is the presiding judge at the Paradise Valley Municipal Court where he brings 42 years of experience to his volunteer position.

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Meet the Judge

Taber brings 42 years of experience to Paradise Valley court

Posted

Name: J. Tyrrell Taber, but I go by Ty.

Where I live: Northeast Phoenix across the canal from Phoenix Country Day School. I was a resident of PV on appointment.

Where I attended school:

Camelback High School (1969)
Arizona State University (1973)
California Western School of Law (1977).

How long I’ve worked in the legal profession: 42 years.

Why I decided to pursue a career in the legal profession: I wanted to be a political consultant, but the job market was very limited in the early 70s, most of the people I worked with on campaigns were lawyers, so I went to law school.

Why I volunteer for the local municipal court: Paradise Valley is a very special town, with a unique population. Many of the residents have been blessed with much success. This puts our citizens in a unique position to donate their important time and attention to the operation of the Town. The spirit of volunteerism is pervasive. When I was asked by then presiding judge Lester Penterman to be an associate judge, I immediately accepted the opportunity and honor.

What is the most rewarding part of being a judge: Serving the people of the Town and dispensing justice to all the people who appear in our court. The Municipal/Magistrate court level is the level at which most citizens will interact with the judicial system. We pride ourselves on being fair and impartial in the treatment of every party.

What I like to do in my spare time? Watch old movies, walk the dog – Griffin a midget mutt from the pound, and exercise but never enough.

Who was the biggest influence in your life? Why? Sounds corny, but my father. He was an Orthopedic Surgeon who came to the valley in 1955 and worked at virtually every hospital in town. He made house calls and traveled the state of Arizona to provide Orthopedic services to far way places like Bagdad, Prescott, Flagstaff and on the Navajo Nation, where no such service was available. He gave his time freely and instilled in me the responsibility that goes with the rewards of having a successful professional career, remember to give back to those who need and cannot afford help. Never be so busy as to not have time for others.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a legal profession? Be prepared to work like a mad person for 3 years and then learn how to be a lawyer. I was fortunate to have Jim O’Connor and Harry Cavanagh, both Town residents, give me my first job. They were incredible lawyers, legends in the legal community, and they gave me much of their time as mentors. I am forever in their debt. As Abraham Lincoln says, the law is a sturdy profession, there will always be a place for good lawyers.