In Honor of Jewish American Heritage Month

During Jewish American Heritage Month, it is a privilege to shine a spotlight on the contributions of a colleague dedicated to the community in the courtroom and beyond. Meet Jeremy Rovinsky, a Deputy County Attorney in the Early Disposition Court Bureau.

Tell us about your career, how did you get started?

I grew up on Long Island and graduated from George Washington Law School in Washington DC in 2012; I took the Maryland Bar, moved to Israel, and worked with a large law firm there. 

After working in Israel, I operated my own firm, based in the US, until I was offered a clerkship with Judge Andy Gould (former MCAO DCA) at the Arizona Court of Appeals. My wife’s family had almost all migrated from Colorado to Arizona, and I always wanted to participate in a clerkship, so I accepted the position and we have been in Phoenix ever since!

During my clerkship, I began teaching as an adjunct professor for National Paralegal College, first Constitutional Law, then Legal Ethics, and when my clerkship was ending, the college asked me to join full-time as a dean. During my time in full-time academia, I was able to serve as a Judge Pro Tem in multiple trial courts throughout Maricopa County, which made me excited about spending time in the courtroom. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the advocacy part of the practice of law (I was coach of my high school debate team, which was a large catalyst for my desire to apply to law school), and I wanted to advocate as a “Minister of Justice” to contribute to the community in a different way than through my experiences teaching or sitting behind the bench.

What inspired you to become a prosecutor at MCAO?

Many of my colleagues who were full-time judges encouraged me to join the MCAO. They saw the work I was doing from behind the bench and thought I had the right personality to represent the MCAO in the important work it does. They also thought the experience of working as a Prosecutor at the MCAO would provide an unmatched opportunity to refine my advocacy skills and grow my career.

What is your favorite part of this job?

I enjoy being a “Minister of Justice” – showing up every day to serve the community and not just to collect a paycheck. I also really enjoy the people I work with – they are professional, like-minded, and passionate about the work we do in service of others. I have learned a lot from my superiors and colleagues, and I have a lot more to learn.

What does Jewish American Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important to you?

I just returned from a trip to Spain, in which we took Jewish college students from ASU and U of A to participate in a summit with other Jewish college students and young professionals from around the world. We saw firsthand the places in Madrid, Toledo, and Segovia that used to be epicenters of Jewish life but have been of no major Jewish significance since the Inquisition 500 years ago. The President’s Proclamation this year stated: “For centuries, Jewish refugees fleeing oppression and discrimination abroad have sailed to our shores in search of sanctuary.” Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity for me to feel deep gratitude for being an American citizen, able to participate in society as an equal while staying true to my unique heritage. I do not take it for granted.

It's important to come together as a community to celebrate and acknowledge the invaluable contributions Jewish Americans have made throughout history. Through this spotlight, we aim to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of Jewish heritage, values, and traditions. To learn more about Jewish American Heritage Month, visit www.jewishheritagemonth.gov.