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Prosecutor never planned to practice criminal law
Nevada Daily Mail
After the 2014 elections, several new faces joined the staff at the Vernon County courthouse, including prosecuting attorney Brandi McInroy.
Having grown up in Kansas, McInroy moved back to her husband's hometown of Nevada in 2000, while still an undergraduate student at Pittsburg State University. McInroy then attended law school at the University of Missouri in Kansas City.
At that time, McInroy says she did not plan to enter a career in criminal law.
"I did not go to law school to practice criminal law," McInroy says. "But it was my first semester of law school that I decided ... that's what came natural."
While still in school, McInroy held internships at a public defender's office and was employed by them upon graduating. After seven years in criminal defense, McInroy spent two years in Vernon County's juvenile court system, but decided to again pursue criminal law by campaigning for the prosecutor's office in 2014.
"It was not my intention," McInroy says of her change in career path over the years. "However, things change and circumstances change ... I had decided this is what I want to do."
McInroy says she has settled into her new position well, as she continues to familiarize herself with the office as well as with the cases, saying she has had to do research for some cases since she was not there when they began.
"We're starting to get some organization and routine, so that's pretty helpful," McInroy says.
She said it has been a slight adjustment being in a more public role, where "people see what you do," but adds that she enjoys interacting with people and being involved with the cases.
"It's a very busy county," McInroy said, adding that some weeks she spends the majority of the day in the courtroom. "It is very time-consuming .... There are lots of cases going on."
McInroy says she enjoys the law days at the courthouse, something she did not get to participate in as often when working in a public defender's office. She also appreciates interacting with the judges and other attorneys during trials and hearings.
Much of the work McInroy is involved in as the prosecutor includes researching cases, preparing for trials as well as completing depositions, although her daily schedule is constantly changing from week to week.
"It's a very wide variety of things that go on," McInroy said.
When not working, McInroy said she spends time with her three young children, who participate in several activities in the community.
Though she does not know what the future holds, McInroy said she would like to possibly continue her law career in the future as prosecuting attorney for Vernon County.
"We'll see," McInroy says. "Right now, I hope so."