Kimberly Fitzpatrick ’03 JD ’09, who is currently serving as judge of the 342^nd District Court in Tarrant County, is the definition of a mover and shaker. She graduated from Texas Wesleyan with degrees in psychology and international business. A few years later, she received her law degree from Texas Wesleyan School of Law and her career has taken off.

As a successful attorney, Kimberly has not only delivered for her clients, she has been a leader in the community as well. She has served as president of the Arlington Bar Association and the Arlington Young Lawyers Association, and committee member for the State Bar of Texas. Her career accolades include Top Attorney, FW Magazine, 2013-2017; Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, 2017; 40 under 40, Fort Worth Business, 2016; Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2013-2017; and Rookie of the Year, Salvation Army, 2016.

Kimberly’s passion for serving and commitment to her community has led her to the top of her field. She hopes to be re-elected to judge in 2020.

Here is what Kimberly had to say about her time at TXWES:

Why did you choose Texas Wesleyan?

I chose Texas Wesleyan University because I was looking for smaller classes and personal attention from my professors. My experience was wonderful. Due to the school's proximity to downtown Fort Worth, I was also able to work full-time as I earned my degrees.     

What is your favorite Texas Wesleyan memory?

My favorite memory was going to summer school in Italy through a summer exchange program. I took Italian and history at a school in Florence with dozens of other students from Wesleyan. We had a great time exploring Rome and Venice in our downtime.

What’s most interesting about your job/career?              

I love being able to visit with the juries after each trial. I think it is very interesting to listen to how they interpreted the evidence that was presented to them and to see how they liked or disliked the presentation style of the attorneys.

How did TXWES contribute to your success and/or preparedness for your career?          

I believe the individual attention I received from my professors helped me get through the hard times. My professors were very encouraging and always available.

What is an interesting fact about you that people may not know?

I served as mayor of Dalworthington Gardens from 2016-2018.

Many thanks to Kimberly for serving as a sponsor for the Texas Wesleyan School of Law Happy Hour on Thursday, Oct. 3, 5-7p.m. in the new Martin University Center (3165 Rosedale St.) on the main campus. We look forward to providing this opportunity for our TXWES law grads to reconnect.