"A judge needs to be fair and sensitive. The bench gives me the power and the privilege to make a difference in the lives of children and families, but only through compassion and decisive action."
– Judge Karen

Sharp and tough but sensitive to all, Judge Karen Mills-Francis is a savvy, no-nonsense judge who is bringing her unique style of edgy justice and flair to daytime court television this fall.

Judge Karen is an opinionated and sassy jurist who hails from Miami, where she earned her law degree from the University of Florida Law School and worked as a public defender. Driven by the lack of diversity in the court system, Judge Karen ran for a Miami judgeship in 2000 (an elected position), and overthrew a long time incumbent to become the second black women ever seated on the bench in Miami-Dade County.

Since being elected, Judge Karen has tried cases ranging from battery to murder and regularly hears cases involving young defendants and domestic violence issues. In an effort to better serve the public, she regularly calls on the lawyers to act as guardian for children in families of domestic violence, and is particularly passionate when presiding over cases involving underserved members of the community. She believes that in many circumstances it is critical to act as both a judge and a social services advisor to make sure citizens get what they need, and to also ensure that their first brush with the legal system does not initiate an endless cycle of dependency.

In addition to her legal work, Judge Karen is very involved with children's causes. As a foster mother and a mentor to at-risk children, she supports many child advocacy programs, including the Whyspers Program for Girls, the Gems Program for Girls, the 5000 Role Models Program, the Roving Leaders Program and the North Miami Athletic Program for boys.