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About Tal
I came to the United States alone at 18 years old with $200, a suitcase, and a belief that opportunity should be earned through hard work and fairness. Like many immigrants, I began where the work was available—washing dishes, learning English, and putting myself through school—determined to build a life rooted in service to others in the country that gave me a chance.
One early experience shaped my understanding of justice in a profound way. When I served on a jury for the first time, I looked around the courtroom and realized there were only two people of color in the room: myself and the defendant. As the case unfolded, I could see how easily a system can work against someone when perspective, lived experience, and care are missing from the process.
That moment did not cause me to lose faith in the justice system—it compelled me to commit myself to it. I chose to become a prosecutor so I could help ensure the law is applied fairly, decisions are based on facts rather than assumptions, and every person who enters a courtroom is treated with dignity and respect.
That path led me to serve as a Deputy District Attorney, as a member of the LGBTQ+ Commission advocating for inclusion and fairness in public institutions, and as an educator working to expand opportunity through learning. Today, I serve in Mental Health Court, where I have tried more than 100 cases to verdict and work daily at the intersection of some of our most urgent challenges: mental illness, substance use, homelessness, and public safety.
In Mental Health Court, justice is personal. Every case involves real people, real families, and real consequences. My responsibility is to ensure constitutional protections are upheld, treatment over incarceration is prioritized, and the courtroom remains a place of dignity—for everyone involved. Justice is not only about outcomes; it is about how people are treated along the way.
My life has been shaped by resilience, gratitude, and a deep respect for the rule of law. I am running for Superior Court to ensure that every person who comes before the bench—regardless of background, identity, or circumstance—is met with fairness, humanity, and respect.