Long time Gainesville resident, Joe Diaz, is all about the people. From his role as a lawyer, dad, friend; and now, Juvenile Judge, he is constantly encountering diverse individuals.
“Opposing perspectives and outlooks make life worth living,” Joe said.
Joe may dawn a robe and gavel at work, but that doesn’t stop him from being lighthearted and spontaneous.
We are grateful that Judge Diaz took a few minutes away from the bench to tell us about himself and his thoughts about Hall County.
Question: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
Answer: “My initial inspiration was to be a lawyer, I didn’t set out to be a judge, but over time I was looking for ways to have a bigger impact on the community.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County, and what do you love there?
A: “I’m not one for favorites, I feel like that limits you, but I really like Pueblos and La Parilla, and I like Scott’s and Luna’s. At Pueblos I get the chili cheese poblano.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Hall County?
A: “I’ve lived here since 5th grade and have always worked here; about 24 years.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Hall County?
A: “One of the most interesting people I’ve met is (fellow lawyer) Arturo Corso. He doesn’t fit the mold–he has his own.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: “Spain, my relatives descend from there and I grew up eating Spanish food and I’ve always wanted to go there.”
Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: “I’m a big ‘Star Wars’ fan, but ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ would have to be No. 1.”
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: “Define your own reality, don’t feel confined to what other people impress upon you.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “Traveling to Spain tops the list, on an extended trip.”
Q: What is your favorite music/ three bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: “I love Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd and Simon and Garfunkel.”
Q: What place makes you the most nostalgic about Hall County?
A: “City Park and Longwood Park are central locations, and the Collegiate Grill is old school Hall County.”
Q: Choosing anyone (alive and a non-relative): with whom would you love to have lunch?
A: “I would have lunch with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She brings a new, fresh perspective to the Supreme Court. I’d love to take her to Luna’s.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “The family atmosphere, all the parks and charitable involvements of people. It’s a very livable community for families.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?
A: “Hopefully, I’ll be doing the same thing I am doing and just returning from my trip to Spain.”
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “There’s two: I was an altar boy at St. Michael’s Catholic Church for many years and I backed up Dizzy Gillespie when he performed at Duke.”
Interview by Abernathy Cochran intern: Meredith Pannek
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.
PROJECT PATRONS:
