Influential Woman · Government

Tanya B. Pagan

Assistant Register / MUPC Magistrate / ADA Coordinator, MA Trial Court

Boston, MA

9Years experience

3Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Pre-law studies with focus on criminal law and family law

Her Story

About Tanya

I've been working in the court system for 25 years, and I've been in my current position as assistant register at Suffolk Probate and Family Court for 8 years. This position is actually my most notable professional achievement because it's exactly what I set out to do since I was in high school. I always wanted to be an assistant register/magistrate, and I've been living my dream for the past 8 years. Growing up in the inner city, I saw a lot of my peers involved in the court system, which sparked my curiosity about how cases are administered and whether people get a fair shot. Even in high school, I interned in the court system because I've always believed in the fair and impartial administration of justice. Before my current role, I was a program manager for the executive office of the trial court, where I helped train staff with administrative matters. Prior to that, I worked at the district attorney's office, working on cases and serving victims and witnesses of crimes. In my current role, I assist all court users who come through the court seeking to see a judge and have their cases heard. We review their pleadings to make sure they're accurate and complete so they can be prepared for the courtroom. It's basically providing procedural fairness to litigants seeking the court system, and I'm honored to be able to provide this to the public.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Tanya

01What do you attribute your success to?

I feel like it's my work ethic and how hard I work. I think I stayed true to myself and my values, so my reputation follows me. I think that's what makes me so successful. I believe in helping people, and I feel like I try to go above and beyond so that everyone gets the assistance that they deserve.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I ever received was to stay true to myself and to what I believe. You don't have to chase anything - it's going to come naturally. Just being true to yourself and your principles and your values will speak for who you are. There's nothing I need to be out there about. I was also told to be willing to take chances and to get out of my comfort zone, to push yourself and try to get out of your comfort zone.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would say believe in yourself, and make sure that sometimes you're going to have difficult days that may be challenging, but not to let that deter you or get in the way of who you are and how you've gotten there. It's really sometimes very competitive in my office, so it can feel a little bit like everyone's kind of out for themselves. But at the same time, if that's not who you are, don't fall into that. Just continue to be who you are and keep working and doing what you love. That'll take you far. You should not let anyone get in the way of who you are and who you want to become or be.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenge is time. There's a lot of work to be done, but I feel like we never have enough time in the day to get it all done. As far as opportunities, I think there's always room for advancement and always room for growth. There's always room for you to learn more because the laws are always changing and evolving, so that's the biggest opportunity - to continue to grow within the field and learning the laws as they change.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

I've always believed in the fair and impartial administration of justice. That's big for me. I want people to have a fair shot, and I want to be a part of that system. I want to be able to play a role in fair opportunities for the public. I believe in helping people, and I try to go above and beyond so that everyone gets the assistance that they deserve. Staying true to myself and my values is important - my reputation follows me, and I don't let anyone get in the way of who I am and who I want to become or be.

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