Fort Smith attorney Leigh Zuerker announced Tuesday (Sept. 3) she will seek the elected post of Sebastian County Circuit Court Juvenile Judge (Division IV).
“I’ve been blessed to practice in juvenile court for over 18 years,” said Zuerker. “I see how many lives we can affect everyday. I’m excited to run for this position and continue helping children and families move in a positive direction.”
Zuerker graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1991 and received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1994.
Since 1995, she has served as a deputy public defender in Sebastian County representing juveniles in delinquency cases and Family In Need of Service (FINS) cases. Additionally, Zuerker served as an attorney ad litem representing children in foster care for 16 years.
“Most of these children have no one standing up for their interests. It’s easy to get lost in the system, but I get to help them and make a difference in their lives,” Zuerker noted in a statement.
She is a member of the Sebastian County Bar Association and the Arkansas Bar Association. She was recently selected for the 2014 Leadership Fort Smith class. She is a member of the Junior League of Fort Smith and serves on their Children Aging Out of Foster Care Task Force.
She has volunteered her time as former treasurer for the Orr Elementary School PTA, served on the Immaculate Conception PTO board, as well as the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Board. She is a member of Immaculate Conception Church.
Zuerker and her husband Scott, have three children.