This week, I stood before our community at the candidate forum to share why I am running for Shelby County Criminal Court Judge. The forum was a valuable opportunity to connect with voters, but the time constraints meant I had to condense complex solutions into short soundbites. Additionally, I took the time each day to give daily updates about the status of the building operations 201 Poplar. I wanted to take this space to fully articulate my answers.
The Foundation: Why I’m Here
My name is Ruchee Patel—I like to say it’s pronounced “Gucci With Ruchee”—and I am a private criminal defense attorney at Donati Law. I have practiced law in Memphis and West Tennessee for almost 20 years. I am running for Judge because our criminal justice system in Shelby County is at a crossroads; for too many, public trust in the system is at rock bottom.
With the current Federal and State task forces operating in our community, we are seeing high-level litigation that demands a specific kind of expertise. We need a judge who hasn’t just spent time in the local and State courts, but who has been vetted by the Federal judiciary to handle complex constitutional defense. We need that experience on the bench to ensure our rights are protected while our courtrooms run with the necessary efficiency.
We have a Federal Task Force in Our Community; We need a Federal Trial Attorney on Our Bench. I am the only candidate who can bring Private Sector Business Experience to solve the Public Sector Bureaucratic Backlog. I have Protected the Rights of the People of Shelby County for nearly 20 Years. If you are a Registered Voter, then you are STAKEHOLDER in the Future of Shelby County. Make Your Voice Heard: Vote for Candidate for Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Ruchee Patel.
1. My Greatest Professional Skill: The “Pay It Forward” Mandate
When asked about my greatest professional skill, I spoke about my “insatiable desire to pay it forward.” I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected. This isn’t just a mantra; it is the foundation of my legal career. I am who I am today because of the mentorship I received. However, at the forum, I didn’t get to share the work I am proudest of: the resurrection of the Memphis Bar Association’s Criminal Law Section. When that section was dormant, I took on the responsibility of rebuilding it. I didn’t just want to be a member of the system; I wanted to build an infrastructure where other attorneys could sharpen their skills.
I’ve even been personally thanked by Judge Chris Craft for that work. He knows, as I do, that the strength of our system relies on attorneys who are skilled and who care. He often reminds me of the importance of having leaders who are truly committed to the People at 201 Poplar. When a judge understands how to build community, they understand how to manage a courtroom.
2. Judicial Temperament and the Bodh Vachans
I was asked how I keep personal biases and prejudice out of the courtroom. I shared a story about receiving a letter early in my career, stating that as an Indian woman, I was expected to be “submissive to men” and therefore should not have been issued a law license. It was a jarring, hurtful moment that minimized the pride I have in my family legacy and immigration journey. It taught me that bias is a challenge to be met with clarity, not reaction.
My answer is to rely on my moral foundation ingrained in me by my father—who was also my Sunday School teacher. I was raised on four maxims, known as the Bodh Vachans:
- Always speak the truth.
- Always do your duty.
- Always act with faith and love, without expectation.
- Always take time for self-reflection.
These maxims are rooted in universal principles that mirror the very foundation of our American legal process. Satyam Vada—the mandate to speak the truth—is the exact foundation of Voir Dire in our jury trial process. A judge’s job is to ensure that the search for truth remains the north star of every trial, unclouded by prejudice or archaic assumptions.
3. Addressing Disproportionate Impact with Data and Nuance
When asked about the disproportionate effects of the criminal justice system on certain communities, I answered clearly: “Yes, it exists.” A judge’s job isn’t to ignore the reality of a defendant’s background; it is to understand it.
An Example: When I look at a juvenile record, I don’t just see an objective “stat.” I look for the case-specific information and subjective nuance behind it. Is there a history of foster care instability? Are there unresolved dependency and neglect petitions involving parental figures? A judge who acknowledges and understands these systemic and socio-economic obstacles can make decisions that are not just legally sound, but practically effective.
We need a bench that looks at the whole person, not just the file in front of them. The punishment for a conviction must serve the goals of sentencing: it should promote respect for the law, provide just punishment, afford adequate deterrence, encourage rehabilitation, and protect the public.
4. Why I Am the Most Qualified Candidate
I didn’t have time to answer this at the forum, so I will answer it here. I am the most qualified candidate for Division 8 because I bring three critical differentiators:
- State and Federal Mastery: Having practiced law for nearly 20 years, I am a federally vetted Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel Attorney. I have handled cases at the highest level of constitutional scrutiny. I know how to navigate the rigors of the two different systems, which gives me a wider, more objective perspective than a candidate who has only practiced in the local courts.
- Private-Sector Efficiency: In private practice, time is a finite commodity. I understand that when a court is sluggish, it isn’t just “procedural delay”—it is lost wages, lost jobs, and lost time for working families. I am ready to implement strict docket management and active accountability—not as an “insider,” but as an executive who knows the value of time.
- Independent Integrity: I am not a career politician or a public-sector insider. I have built my career from scratch in the private sector, representing everyday citizens. I don’t owe political favors to any office or party. My only duty is to the law and to the people of Shelby County.
🗳️ A Critical Note on the Ballot
Because this is a crowded, seven-way special election, the ballot is sorted alphabetically by last name: That means Ruchee Patel is the 6th name of seven on the ballot. Don’t let the ballot fatigue get to you! Skip the noise, scroll all the way, and cast your vote for Patel For Judge.
Early Voting: July 17 – August 1
Election Day: August 6
Learn more: Patel4Judge.com
Paid for by Patel for Judge. Treasurer: Janelle Osowski.
Compliant with TN Code § 2-19-120.
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