Meltem Karla Tankut

I attribute my success to determination, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Moving to the United States at 16, I faced the challenge of learning a new language and navigating a new culture. Those early experiences shaped my independence and honed my ability to adapt and persevere—skills that have been essential throughout my legal career.

After law school, I focused on criminal defense, driven by the belief that everyone deserves competent legal representation. In 2020, I became the youngest appointed judge in Oklahoma, an experience that reinforced my commitment to fairness and impartiality in the courtroom. I chose to remain unaffiliated with political organizations, believing that independence is critical to delivering justice.

Today, as chief public defender for Van Buren County, I have had the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives. Among my proudest accomplishments is securing a $4 million grant to strengthen our office and establishing a new public defender system in a rural county—expanding access to justice for communities with limited resources. Recognition has come in many forms, including being named a top 10 under 40 criminal defense lawyer and being featured in local media for our work, but the greatest reward remains the impact we make in the lives of those we serve.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to make conscious choices each day to do what is right, even in challenging circumstances. Stay focused on the bigger picture, remain true to your values, and don’t be afraid to explore different paths to achieve your goals. It’s important to recognize that this profession can be stressful—one crisis often follows another—so maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential. The journey may be long, but it is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.

One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field has been navigating systems that are often under-resourced while striving to provide quality legal representation. Moving to the United States at 16 required adapting to a new language, culture, and education system while pursuing ambitious career goals. As a young lawyer and later the youngest appointed judge in Oklahoma, I faced the pressures of proving myself in high-stakes environments and maintaining independence in roles often influenced by political expectations.

Transitioning to chief public defender in a rural county presented new challenges, including building a public defender system from the ground up and securing the resources necessary to serve underserved communities effectively. Each of these experiences has reinforced the importance of determination, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to doing what is right. At the same time, these challenges have created opportunities to innovate, expand access to justice, and make a meaningful impact in communities that need it most.

The values that guide me in both my work and personal life center on integrity, service, and balance. Beyond professional accomplishments, I am deeply committed to volunteer work and advocacy, supporting veterans, animal shelters, and programs that assist the homeless and individuals re-entering society after incarceration. Being nominated for “Remarkable Woman of West Michigan” was a meaningful recognition of the importance of giving back to the communities we serve.

In my legal practice, I believe personal integrity is just as critical as professional skill. Each day requires making conscious decisions to do what is right, even in challenging circumstances. At the same time, I prioritize personal passions—such as tennis and staying current with criminal case law—which help me approach both professional and personal challenges with clarity, perspective, and purpose.