Superior Court Bio, Patricia A. Starr

Ballotpedia, Patricia A. Starr

Patricia has a bachelor's degree in health sciences from the University of Arizona and a law degree from the University of Arizona College of Law.

Patricia previously worked as a commissioner on the Maricopa County Superior Court, a capital staff attorney for the Arizona Death Penalty Judicial Assistance Project, and as an assistant attorney general for the Attorney General of Arizona. She also worked as a deputy county attorney in Maricopa County and a judicial clerk to Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Jefferson Lankford. 

Patricia A. Starr currently serves as a Superior Court Judge in Maricopa County. She was first appointed in 2014 and is serving her 3rd term. 

As a superior court judge in Maricopa County for 10 years, oversaw cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercised authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As a staff attorney for the Arizona Death Penalty Judicial Assistance Project, worked on cases involving the death penalty.

As a staff attorney for the Arizona Death Penalty Judicial Assistance Project for 3 years,  handled cases involving the death penalty.

As an assistant attorney general to Arizona's Attorney General.  for 1 year, advised the attorney general on the appropriate penalties to seek during criminal prosecutions, served as a point of contact between the attorney general’s office and other government officials, prosecuted high-profile criminal cases, and provided legal counsel and representation to public officials in civil suits against the government.

As deputy county prosecutor in Maricopa County for 9 years, oversaw civil and criminal prosecutions, worked with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and investigate criminal and civil violations, and provided legal counsel and representation to state, county, and city officials in lawsuits against the government.

As a state court clerk for 1 year, maintained court records, administered and collected court fees, filed and processed official documents, scheduled cases, and ensured the public availability of all court proceedings.

- As a superior court judge in Maricopa County for 10 years, oversaw cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercised authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As a staff attorney for the Arizona Death Penalty Judicial Assistance Project for 3 years,  handled cases involving the death penalty.
- As an assistant attorney general to Arizona's Attorney General.  for 1 year, advised the attorney general on the appropriate penalties to seek during criminal prosecutions, served as a point of contact between the attorney general’s office and other government officials, prosecuted high-profile criminal cases, and provided legal counsel and representation to public officials in civil suits against the government.
- As deputy county prosecutor in Maricopa County for 9 years, oversaw civil and criminal prosecutions, worked with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and investigate criminal and civil violations, and provided legal counsel and representation to state, county, and city officials in lawsuits against the government.
- As a state court clerk for 1 year, maintained court records, administered and collected court fees, filed and processed official documents, scheduled cases, and ensured the public availability of all court proceedings.

Legal Experience

As of October 15, 2024, Patricia A. Starr did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Philosophy

ASU News, Law, medicine intersect in new mental health training for judges

Supports mental health training for judges.

- Supports mental health training for judges.

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Patricia A. Starr

Patricia currently works as a Superior Court Judge. She previously worked as a clerk to Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Jefferson Lankford, as deputy county attorney in Maricopa County, as assistant attorney general for the Attorney General of Arizona, and as a capital staff attorney for the Arizona Death Penalty Judicial Assistance Project. 

Patricia A. Starr currently serves as a Superior Court Judge for Maricopa County. She was first appointed in 2014 and is serving her 3rd term. 

As a state court clerk, maintained court records, administered and collected court fees, filed and processed official documents, scheduled cases, and ensured the public availability of all court proceedings.

As a county prosecutor, oversaw civil and criminal prosecutions, worked with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and investigate criminal and civil violations, and provided legal counsel and representation to state, county, and city officials in lawsuits against the government.

As an assistant attorney general, advised the attorney general on the appropriate penalties to seek during criminal prosecutions, served as a point of contact between the attorney general’s office and other government officials, prosecuted high-profile criminal cases, and provided legal counsel and representation to public officials in civil suits against the government.

- As a state court clerk, maintained court records, administered and collected court fees, filed and processed official documents, scheduled cases, and ensured the public availability of all court proceedings.
- As a county prosecutor, oversaw civil and criminal prosecutions, worked with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and investigate criminal and civil violations, and provided legal counsel and representation to state, county, and city officials in lawsuits against the government.
- As an assistant attorney general, advised the attorney general on the appropriate penalties to seek during criminal prosecutions, served as a point of contact between the attorney general’s office and other government officials, prosecuted high-profile criminal cases, and provided legal counsel and representation to public officials in civil suits against the government.
- As a staff attorney for the Arizona Death Penalty Judicial Assistance Project, worked on cases involving the death penalty.

Superior Court, Protocol and Practice of Persons Appearing in the Court of Judge Patricia Starr

Encourages parties to discuss possible resolutions before court hearings.

Believes discovery disputes should be resolved through initial contact with her assistant, providing a brief description, and prefers setting virtual conferences for discussion, but if complexity arises, advises filing a motion with specific documentation as per Local Rule 3.2(h).

Requests that discovery disputes between attorneys be addressed with her judicial assistant by preparing short descriptions of the dispute.

Requires that any request to extend time or continue a matter must include the position of the opposing party, or a statement that efforts to determine that position were unsuccessful.

- Encourages parties to discuss possible resolutions before court hearings.
- Requests that discovery disputes between attorneys be addressed with her judicial assistant by preparing short descriptions of the dispute.
- Requires that any request to extend time or continue a matter must include the position of the opposing party, or a statement that efforts to determine that position were unsuccessful.
- Imposes time limits on litigants.
- Does not allow speaking objections.
- Supports mental health training for judges.