Nikki’s Journey to Judge

By Taylor Bollinger

From a young age, Oklahoma County District Judge Nikki Kirkpatrick knew the path she would pursue, but the road was far from easy. She says the strong sense of justice and empathy that direct her life today are largely because of the challenging circumstances of her early life. “I was born into a family where my father struggled with drug addiction and was sadly more of a drain on the household than a contributor. My mother worked two or three jobs to provide for us, and sometimes even that was hardly enough,” Nikki said. “I learned what it was like to live in plenty and in want.” Witnessing the extreme effort it took “You don’t have to wear a for her mother to escape the effects of her father’s addiction inspired Nikki robe or hold to be a support for others. She found a gavel to make her first opportunities to serve as a teenager in church. “My first church a difference.” experience was at 13, and that was the first time I was around people who truly cared about me, not where I came from,” Nikki said. “They began to pour into me and help me recognize my gifts. Even though I was an extremely shy child, I found myself counseling others, leading worship, and even addressing the congregation.” These experiences revealed Nikki’s propensity toward public service. During law school, she interned for the district attorney’s office and also had her first child. Upon graduation Nikki says she worked hard to implement integrity into every element of her legal practice. Her hard work paid off. In 2021, Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Nikki to serve as a District Judge for Oklahoma County. At the end of that term, she was reelected by the public, making her the only current Oklahoma County District Judge to be appointed by both the Judicial Nominating Committee and public election. Though her age and gender were not always a benefit in the legal field, she says the past decade has marked a turn in the demographic tide. Ten of the 15 Oklahoma County District Judges are women. Additionally, all six currently assigned to the criminal docket – which includes Nikki – are women. More important to Nikki than these statistics, however, is seeing justice served in her courtroom. “We have the best justice system in the world. I want justice to be delivered, and for the public to be confident that the system is serving them,” Nikki said. “The work can be heavy but everyday I try to help someone get the closure and resources they need to succeed.” Oklahoma County carries 60% of the state's crime and more trial cases than any other county. Because of the nature of her work, Nikki jokes that she is incredibly boring at home, where she is a wife, mother and active member of her church. Nikki believes that you don’t have to wear a robe or hold a gavel to make a difference. “I think the most important thing every person can do is find what gift God has given them – and everyone has one – and put it to use to help other people.” Learn more about Judge Nikki Kirkpatrick at nikkikirkpatrick.com.