[4] She started her career at the law offices of the New Mexico Public Defender from 2006 to 2011.

From 2011 to 2021, she was a partner at McGraw & Strickland LLC in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

From 2017 to 2019, she served as president of the New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

President Biden nominated Strickland to the seat vacated by Judge Robert C. Brack, who assumed senior status on July 25, 2018.

[6] On September 21, 2021, the United States Senate invoked cloture on her nomination by a 52–46 vote.