Education
- B.A., Washington State University, 1997
- J.D., University of Idaho College of Law, 2000
Biographical Information
Prof. Ochoa is an attorney in private practice in Spokane. She commenced her legal career as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Benton County and then transitioned into private practice in 2002. Prof. Ochoa’s practice emphasizes representation in criminal litigation in both State and Federal Courts. She has extensive jury trial experience with an emphasis on serious felony criminal charges. Throughout her practice, Prof. Ochoa has made it a priority to develop a well- rounded practice and has experience in family law, personal injury, will and estate planning, administrative law, business law and general civil litigation.
Prof. Ochoa holds a judicial services contract with the Spokane Tribe of Indians and serves as Chief Judge for Spokane Tribal Court. She also serves on the Criminal Justice Act Panel in Federal Court. Prof. Ochoa was appointed Commissioner for the Commission on Hispanic Affairs by Governor Gregoire in August, 2012. She served as Judge Pro Tem for Franklin County District Court and for Pasco Municipal Court prior to relocating to Spokane in 2009.
Prof. Ochoa is a Washington State Bar Association Leadership Institute Fellow in the inaugural class of 2005. She is also a 2012 Judicial Institute Fellow. She is a member of the Latina/o Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee, the Spokane County Bar Association’s Diversity Committee, Solo and Small Firm Section and Indian Law Section. She serves on the Washington State Bar Association Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection Board. She is a current member and past board member for Washington Women Lawyers. Prof. Ochoa was named a Rising Star in 2005 and 2012 by Law and Politics Magazine.
Prof. Ochoa is a graduate of both Leadership Tri-Cities Class XII and Leadership Spokane 2012. She has been named one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Spokane by Couer d’ Alene Living Magazine for both 2011 and 2012. She is a member of the Hispanic Business Professionals Association and a member of the Inland Northwest Chamber of Commerce. She is on the Board of Directors for the Little Spokane River Estates Homeowner’s Association. Prof. Ochoa was selected as one of Catalyst Magazine’s 2012 Twenty Under 40 in recognition of her leadership role and commitment in the community.
Prof. Ochoa lives in Colbert and is the mother of 4 children. She enjoys reading, spending quality time with her family, and running marathons
Teaching Areas
- Law Practice Management
