U.S. District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps of the District of Arizona was honored on September 13, 2025, by the Federal Judges Association in recognition of her distinguished career and her contributions to judicial ethics, transparency, and mentorship. The ceremony, held in Tucson, brought together colleagues, legal scholars, and community leaders who reflected on Judge Zipps’ more than 15 years of service on the federal bench and her enduring impact on the administration of justice.
Appointed in 2011, Judge Zipps has presided over an expansive docket that has included complex civil litigation, administrative law disputes, and cases with far-reaching implications for both Arizona and the broader federal judiciary. Those who have worked with her describe her rulings as marked by clarity, fairness, and rigor, with a deep awareness of how judicial decisions affect not only litigants but also the broader public. Over the course of her career, she has earned a reputation for procedural fairness, ensuring that every party appearing before her has confidence in the process, regardless of the outcome.
In addition to her work on the bench, Judge Zipps has been a leading voice in advancing judicial ethics and professional standards. She played an influential role in developing best practices for attorney conduct, helping to establish clearer guidelines that reinforce accountability in courtrooms across the country. These efforts, peers say, reflect her belief that the health of the judiciary depends not only on the decisions judges render but also on the professionalism and integrity of those who practice before the courts.
Her commitment to mentorship has been another defining feature of her career. Judge Zipps has been deeply involved in clerkship programs and professional development initiatives for young attorneys, particularly in the Southwest. Former clerks and mentees often speak of her ability to balance demanding expectations with genuine support, guiding them toward careers grounded in both legal excellence and ethical responsibility. Many of these individuals now serve as practicing attorneys, professors, and even judges, carrying forward the lessons instilled during their time under her guidance.
Colleagues also highlighted her role in modernizing courtroom operations. She has been an advocate for incorporating technology into judicial processes in ways that increase efficiency while protecting accessibility and fairness. In an era when courts have been under pressure to adapt to new challenges—from the demands of digital transparency to the logistical shifts caused by public health emergencies—her leadership has helped shape procedures that make the judiciary more responsive and resilient.
The recognition of Judge Zipps comes at a time when the public is increasingly focused on the ethics, impartiality, and transparency of federal courts. Recent debates around judicial accountability have underscored the importance of leaders within the system who model integrity and ensure that the principles of fairness remain central to the administration of justice. For the Federal Judges Association, honoring Judge Zipps was a way of reaffirming that her career stands as an example of what a federal judge should aspire to be: principled, diligent, and deeply committed to the rule of law.
As speakers at the Tucson ceremony noted, Judge Zipps’ influence extends well beyond her own courtroom. Through her mentorship, her contributions to national discussions on ethics, and her embrace of modernization in court administration, she has left an imprint that will shape the judiciary long after her own tenure. Her career demonstrates how judges can act not only as arbiters of disputes but as guardians of institutional integrity, ensuring that the courts continue to serve the public with fairness and transparency.
The honor bestowed upon Judge Zipps is as much a reflection of her personal achievements as it is a recognition of the role she has played in strengthening public confidence in the judiciary. It marks a milestone in her career, while also reminding the legal community of the importance of values that transcend individual cases—ethics, mentorship, fairness, and the pursuit of justice.
