Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin selected Judge Barbara Swinton (J.D. ’91) to serve on the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals. Prior to her appointment, Swinton served as district court judge for the 7th Judicial District, after her election in 2002.
Barbara Swinton (J.D. '91)
Swinton chose to pursue a legal career as a high school freshman, but her decision to become a judge came after law school.
“I have loved the law since the ninth grade when I started debate. I enjoyed the research and formulating reasoned argument,” Swinton said. “I was a political science major in college and enjoyed constitutional law, so law school made a perfect career path. I considered the possibility of becoming a judge in law school but enjoyed the art of litigation and the courtroom atmosphere.”
Early in her career, Swinton practiced general civil and family law with Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison & Lewis. After that, she served as a trial attorney with David W. Lee & Associates. Her judicial career began in 1996 when she was appointed as an Oklahoma County special judge.
“A judge friend encouraged me to apply for the appointed position, and I have loved this side of the bench ever since,” she said.
In her role on the Court of Civil Appeals, Swinton looks forward to serving the people of Oklahoma and collaborating with others.
“I enjoy researching the positions of each party and discussing the case law with other judges and staff attorneys,” she said. “As a 'lone ranger' for 20 years, it is a luxury to participate in a collaborative environment.”
Reflecting on her time at Georgia State Law, Swinton identified Professor Roy M. Sobelson as helping prepare her for a career as a judge.
“There were many Georgia State Law professors and courses that helped shaped my decision to become a judge, but Professor Sobelson and practical classes like trial practice and legislation have been the most beneficial in my career,” she said.
Swinton is president of the Oklahoma County Bar Association and immediate past president of the executive board of the Oklahoma Judicial Conference. She encourages attorneys interested in becoming a judge to also be active in their local bar associations.
“Get to know the judges at the state and federal level through an affiliation with your local bar. Let them know you are interested in becoming a judge,” she said. “Having a judicial mentor is key to knowing if and when you might be ready to switch from the bar to the bench.”