Washington Lawyer - September/October 2024 - 27

FEATURE
I feel that I have made the system better with the help and support of
so many people, including mentors. I have always had good intentions.
I have done this work armed with a respectful, gentle approach.
hopefully have a more predicable schedule. I am looking forward to more
travel, even though I have done a fair amount. As you know, there are so
many places to go and so many things to see. It is important to me that
I am physically and emotionally able to take in those experiences
while I am in good health.
I also will volunteer. I am contemplating a few things, but the goal
is not to work full time. And although I will rest, I am naturally somewhat
restless, so I will surely do something else. (Editors' note: In
August, Josey-Herring applied for an initial appointment as senior
judge at Superior Court.)
You have spoken passionately about the judicial vacancy crisis
at the D.C. Courts. If you were to make your case to the U.S.
Senate right now, what would you say?
An understaffed court adversely affects the proper administration
of justice to the public, which depends on the courts.
There are a number of judges who are double- and triple-booked
because there is no one else there to do the work. The judges who
remain must assume responsibility for whatever cases are pending
and continually coming in the front door.
There has been an escalation of serious crime and social unrest in
our community - all of that has impacted the court and increased
our case and workloads. If you deprive a court system of appropriate
resources, you eliminate our ability to respond efficiently to current
and emerging issues. Whether you are involved in a dispute as a victim
of a crime, accused of a crime, or a community member with a
civil or family law matter, justice delayed is justice denied.
As judges we cannot play in the political sphere. It's unethical. As
chief judge, one of the critical functions is to embrace the role fully
and appreciate the parameters of the office - something as foundational
as a firm understanding that as judges, and particularly as
chief judge, we must maintain public trust and confidence in the
court. We must commit to the reality that the court is the adjudicator
of facts and law, and not influenced by political interests.
How is the court coping with judicial burnout?
It's really challenging. A number of judges and staff are worn out
and need to have opportunities for self-care. They have families, are
caretakers, and need time for themselves. Although I have a fairly
deep capacity to work, working endlessly is not sustainable for anyone.
I certainly could go on. However, there comes a time when we
all must consider whether we have limited our chance to enjoy life
in a different way.
Reflecting on your judicial career, how would you want people
to remember your legacy?
I have fought as hard as I could, inside and outside the court, to make the
system more just. I have tried to be reasonable and balanced and have
continued the progress in the court. The next chief judge can build on
that progress and take it to a different level. I would be glad to see that
since that is really the point. You have to pay it forward to keep it going.
What is the next chapter in your professional journey?
I want to keep part of my time for myself, so I have flexibility to do whatever
I want. I hope to get in a couple of days of hot yoga, now that I'll
I would like to be remembered as a thoughtful, intelligent, strong leader
who motivated people to meet the demands of the day when the stakes
were high. I would also like to be remembered as a leader who got things
done and, to some extent, defied the odds in terms of what people expect
or feel women in leadership - especially women of color - are
capable of accomplishing.
Reach D.C. Bar staff writer John Murph at jmurph@dcbar.org.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024 * WASHINGTON LAWYER 27
Courtesy of Anita Josey-Herring
Washington Lawyer - September/October 2024

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