If you’re looking for an inspirational story, look no further than Judge Roberto Cañas. Before taking the bench in 2007, this El Paso native and Texas Tech School of Law cum laude graduate served as a prosecutor for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office for one very simple reason – freedom. He clearly believes in freedom in many aspects — from providing individuals in the court system with a “fair process” to affording society “a sense of being able to live life without becoming a victim of crime.” Judge Cañas’ desire to spread freedom extends well past County Criminal Court No. 10. He is an advocate for domestic violence victims, as well as a zealous animal welfare proponent, because he believes in the notion of protecting and providing freedom for everyone — especially those who are in the most need. Judge Cañas’ passion was born well before his undergraduate days in Austin, studying music at the University of Texas. He wanted to be an attorney because he understood the noble role lawyers played throughout history to secure our democracy. Being a lawyer and a judge provides him with a great intellectual challenge. In the words of Judge Cañas, his legal skills “protect the rights of others and they give [him] the power to effect change and to fight for the causes that [he] believe[s] are right.” After graduating from law school, Judge Cañas became an associate with Haynes and Boone LLP in Dallas. He mastered both the strategies and tactics of managing civil and criminal cases, including working with clients involved in governmental investigations. His time in private practice proved to be a critical component of his career as it provided him with not only the necessary legal background, but also an understanding of legal professionalism. Then in 1999, Judge Cañas joined the Dallas County District Attorney’s office. Within a few months, he was promoted to chief prosecutor for two county criminal courts. After a few more months, in 2000, he was promoted to the felony division where he prosecuted many types of crimes, from murder to high-level white-collar crimes. His seven-year stint at the DA’s office proved to be exhilarating for him. The experience was invaluable, he says, as he tried more than 200 cases during his tenure and mastered the interrelationships between rules of evidence and procedure. His exposure to those in society who are in the most need also left an indelible impression on him and unleashed his passion for helping others and serving society for a greater good. Judge Cañas became judge of the County Criminal Court No. 10 in January 2007. He describes his personal style as, “I don’t take myself too seriously. I do, however, take my position very seriously.” This serves as a warning to attorneys who might find themselves in front of Judge Cañas: Being unprepared will not garner sympathy or a free pass. Judge Cañas’ court handles cases involving domestic violence. He chose to take on this important role as a unique opportunity to serve the community especially since his years in the DA’s office gave him an understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence. “This court can be very challenging and satisfying in that I feel that I am making a positive impact, one family at a time.” If you wonder whether Judge Cañas likes his job, he states: “I genuinely look forward to Monday mornings!” When Judge Cañas is not presiding over the court, he is actively pursuing his passions. He serves on the board of directors for Kitchen Dog Theater, which provides live, cutting-edge theater and offers this one-time music major an outlet for creative expressions. Judge Cañas also serves on the board of directors for Operation Kindness, a shelter for homeless dogs and cats until they can find a permanent home. “Animal welfare is a passion of mine, and I am particularly proud of being able to work with an organization like Operation Kindness,” he says. Consequently, he has been appointed vice-chair of the city’s Animal Shelter Commission. Judge Cañas’ efforts have not gone unnoticed by his peers or the community at large. Recently, the president of the American Bar Association re-appointed him to the Commission on Domestic Violence, a group of judges and lawyers organized to improve the legal system’s response to domestic violence. And just a few weeks ago, he was nominated to receive the first-ever “Man of Influence” award from The Family Place. Judge Cañas has received awards and accolades from the ABA, Texas Young Lawyers Association and the Dallas Young Lawyers Association. In his spare time, he enjoys working on his 1930s-era home in the historic Junius Heights district of Dallas. And, in December, Judge Cañas will become a father for the first time.