Your mom was right: You can't judge a book by its cover.

Myrlene Marsa is a petite woman with a beautiful smile that can brighten any room. But don't be fooled. The 41-year-old criminal defense attorney is anything but demure. In the courtroom, she defends her clients vigorously. She said she makes it her No. 1 priority to know the law.

QWhy did you become a lawyer?

AMy degree in college is in math. I was interested in teaching math in high school but I didn't like the certification program, so I considered going to med school. I took a year of pre-med courses and decided that I didn't want to do that. I was looking into forensic medicine when I became interested in law.

QWhat made you specialize in criminal defense?

AI enjoy helping people. I started criminal defense in the public defender's office and eventually went out on my own.

QHow do you react to society convicting someone before he or she goes to trial?

AIt always makes me aware how important our judicial system is and how important it is for me to do my job right. A lot of people are wrongfully accused. Our founding fathers decided it was a serious thing to do to take away somebody's freedom; otherwise any of us are vulnerable to having our own freedom taken away.

QWhat do you do for fun?

AHike. Walk. Read. Watch movies. I also love to travel and go places I've never been. I knit and do yoga.

QWhat are your long-term goals?

AI want to always do the best job I can do and let my practice grow.

QWhat's your claim to fame?

AI've won two major murder cases: An acquittal for Brian Rutherford, who was charged with murder, and for Marvin Nicholson, who was charged with kidnapping and murder.