By FRED SWIFT
Stephenie K. Gookins, a practicing attorney in Hamilton County the past 21 years, has announced her candidacy for judge of Hamilton Superior Court 7. The court was created by the Indiana General Assembly this year, and with its first judge to be elected next year, will begin operations on Jan. 1, 2023.
Gookins
Gookins worked at the Holt Legal Group and at Campbell, Kyle and Proffitt before starting her own firm, Terry and Gookins, in Carmel.
She is a native of Osgood, Ind., and a graduate of Indiana University and IU Law School. The candidate has experience in criminal defense and family law. “My entire legal career has been focused on helping individuals by providing compassionate and zealous advocacy to assist clients,” she says.
A member of the Hamilton County Corrections Advisory Commission for 20 years, Gookins has coordinated the Bar Association’s Mock Trial program for 13 years, a program which allows local students to participate in courtroom trial procedure.
A resident of Washington Township, she and her husband, Tom, are the parents of Zach Gookins, a student at Westfield High School. In the Westfield and Sheridan area she has served as a Scout leader, supporter of Band Boosters at Westfield and member of Sheridan and Westfield Chambers of Commerce.
She becomes the second Republican candidate to declare for judge of the new court. Darren Murphy previously announced his intention to run. Gookins’ campaign committee is chaired by Sam Robinson with Dan Pfleging listed as treasurer.