Kerina Ibarra
Kerina Ibarra, J.D., LL.M., Ph.D., is a criminal defense attorney based in Phoenix, Arizona, serving with Maricopa County in the Office of the Legal Advocate. She focuses on indigent defense, advocating for individuals who might otherwise go unheard within the criminal justice system. In addition to her legal practice, she serves as an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University, where she teaches undergraduate courses in criminal law and helps prepare the next generation of justice professionals.
Dr. Ibarra began her legal career with the Missouri Public Defender’s Office, where she worked extensively in juvenile defense and was recognized for her willingness to challenge practices she believed were unjust. A passionate advocate for accountability and fairness, she is outspoken about systemic inequities within the criminal justice system, including issues of racism and classism. Her work emphasizes protecting constitutional rights, holding correctional institutions accountable, and ensuring that all individuals—particularly the incarcerated—are treated with dignity.
A late entrant to the legal profession, Dr. Ibarra returned to school as an adult while raising children, demonstrating resilience and determination throughout her academic and professional journey. She earned her Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Criminal Law from Arizona State University and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Liberty University. Licensed to practice law in Arizona and admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, she brings both scholarly depth and practical courtroom experience to her work in defense and education.
• United States District Court
• Liberty University
• Arizona Voice for Crime Victims
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience and determination. I returned to school as an adult while raising children, and I had to work relentlessly to create new opportunities for myself and my family. I also learned how to channel anger from personal hardship into disciplined, sustained effort — using it not as a weight, but as fuel to change my life and advocate fiercely for my clients.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be true to yourself. Don’t let social expectations or the pressure to make others comfortable pull you away from your own goals. If you feel called to this work, pursue your education and your passions—even when the path feels difficult or unconventional. And as you rise, reach back. Support other women, mentor them, and help create space for the next generation to step forward with confidence and strength.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges in my field stem from systemic inequities within the criminal justice system. Issues like racism and classism, unequal access to legal representation for those without resources, and abusive or dehumanizing treatment inside correctional institutions highlight the urgent need for accountability and reform.
At the same time, these challenges present opportunities to advocate for meaningful change, protect the rights of marginalized individuals, and work toward a justice system that is fair, humane, and accessible to all.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are care, loyalty, and service. I strive to show my clients that someone truly cares about their well-being and outcomes. I’m committed to giving back to those who have helped me along the way and stepping in to protect and advocate for vulnerable people whenever they need support.