Office: Jefferson County Circuit Clerk

Party: Democrat

Residence: Hoover

Political experience: First run for political office.

Professional experience: Paralegal, Office of the District Attorney, 10th Judicial Circuit, Birmingham Division, May 2014- present; legal assistant Christian & Small, LLP, Birmingham, July 2013-May 2014; corporate paralegal, Buffalo Rock Co., August 2009-July 2013; legal assistant, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP, August 2004-July 2009.

Education: Samford University, paralegal certificate, May 2011;
Birmingham-Southern College, bachelor’s of arts, English, May 2004.

Civic experience: Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club.

Main issues: Watkins said that, as a civil paralegal in the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, “I have become keenly aware of the challenges that face the clerk’s office in both criminal and civil cases.

“I believe that the clerk is a servant of the people,” she said. “As clerk, I will always serve with patience, respect, empathy and care. Under my qualified leadership, we will make it easier for people to pay monies owed to the court system, not harder. We will cross-train and empower staff members as professionals to increase employee retention. We will make voting easier, not harder, and ensure that every eligible citizen is able to vote every time. Together with my staff, we will seek to improve customer experiences and modernize processes for the benefit of the legal community and the citizens of Jefferson County.

Top contributions: Elna Watkins, $500.

Campaign: www.watkinsforclerk.com