Judge DeShazer congratulates a new drug court graduate. (Photo by Robert Gauthier)

I was a third year law clerk just months shy of getting my braces off the first time I ever appeared before a judge to handle a case. It must have been obvious to Judge Ellen DeShazer that I was overwhelmed by the whole thing because of what she said to me. “Mr. Ross, practicing law is like love. You just have to jump in!”

My initial thought was is this woman who bears a slight resemblance to my mother hitting on me, or is she just trying to put me at ease? I would soon find out it was the latter as we not only ended up being colleagues at the Compton Courthouse, but also neighbors who resided a few houses down from each other.

Judge DeShazer lived quite an adventurous life. From being a “ring girl” who carried the round sign at the heavyweight bout between Muhammad Ali and Jimmy Ellis, to her  seventeen years tirelessly presiding over the Compton Drug Court Program, she was a stylish civic woman who made a incalculable difference in the lives of many.

A staunch believer in recovery over incarceration, Judge DeShazer lost her fight with a prolonged illness on November 22, 2015 at the age of 76. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and worked with her, as well as all the men and women who appeared before her seeking to break free from the grips of drug addiction and substance abuse.

Job well done Your Honor. Rest in Peace.