Victims for Justice is thrilled to announce it has hired Tamara Maddox as its newest victim advocate. Maddox comes to VFJ from Denali Law Group where she was an associate attorney. Tamara will primarily work from the Anchorage District Attorney’s offices in downtown Anchorage. Tamara is filling a position that was created in partnership with the D.A.’s office to better serve Alaskans who have been affected by crime and are navigating their way through the criminal justice system.
Tamara took time to answer some questions about herself so that you can get to know her. What follows are interview excerpts.
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I grew up on the southside of Anchorage. I’ve always considered myself an ambitious problem solver, eager to solve the world’s greatest dilemmas. I always knew I wanted to pursue a law degree, so in primary school, I got involved in debate and journalism because I wanted to have healthy discussions about issues, both local and nationally. I was curious about processes. After high school, I pursued an associate degree in criminal justice at Fayetteville Technical Community College. I had an incredible mentor, a retired military officer and judge, who taught me about the strengths and weaknesses of the American legal system. I learned from him that textbook law is much different from the law in practice. This mentorship encouraged me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in political science at Fayetteville State University.
One of my favorite research assignments involved comparing the U.S. constitution to those of three other countries. When my classmates and I shared our research, it was evident there is no national constitution like that of our country. Armed with that knowledge, I knew that I needed to help individuals understand their rights and use their voice to gain the access to justice the constitution promises. This is when I truly felt ready to pursue law as a career.
In the fall of 2020, I earned a Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law. During my program, I took courses and did externships that allowed me to help vulnerable populations, including incapacitated individuals subject to guardianship and conservatorship. After law school, I accepted an associate attorney position with Denali Law Group. Most of my clients were accused of criminal misdemeanor offenses. This area of law helped me fine tune my people skills. I worked with people from all walks of life, newly exposed to the criminal system because of alcohol and drug misuse. Since the beginning of the pandemic many people from all walks of life have taken up unhealthy habits. It was my pleasure to listen to, help, and encourage clients who wished to return to productive lives.
Q: Why did you want to work at VFJ?
A: Besides my legal experience, I have experience with the therapeutic foster care system. For over eight years I worked with youth, ages 0-18, and I was also a licensed therapeutic foster care parent. Most of the youth were victims of neglect and abuse, and my work involved advocating for their best interest, such as participating in court hearings and finding resources and programs that would help the child develop necessary skills. I always enjoyed watching individuals grow, gain confidence, and find their voice. I look forward to serving VFJ clients in similar ways.
Q: How did you hear about VFJ?
A: I was searching for a new way to use my talents, skills, and abilities when I came across Victims for Justice online. I read the founders’ story, and I immediately knew VFJ was the type of organization that would allow me to meaningfully contribute to my community. Their noble mission to empower and advocate for the victims of violent crime seemed like a perfect fit for my capabilities and, frankly, my passion.
Q: What appeals to you about this work and this organization?
A: I am very impressed by the groundwork the founders laid to ensure the organization’s work reaches as many victims of violent crime as possible, and how involved VFJ is with the community. I appreciate that the organization welcomes creativity and new perspectives, and I look forward to using my talents in this new role.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish?
A: I am eager to learn more about the constitutional rights of victims and how to bring more awareness to the rights victims have.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I enjoy spending time with family, hiking, cooking, traveling, and I am a huge fan of mixed martials arts. My brother and I grew up practicing Taekwondo because my mother always wanted us to know how to defend ourselves. But soon after I gravitated toward gymnastics.
Q: What’s on your bucket list?
A: I hope to visit France, Nigeria, and Cameroon to trace my family line.
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