Alexander Williams, Jr.
United States District Court for the
District of Maryland
Greenbelt, Maryland
Born: Washington, D.C.-May 8, 1948.
Education: Howard University (B.A. 1970; M.A. 19; J.D., cum laude, 1973); Temple University (M.A.).
Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. was President Clinton's first African-American nominee to the federal bench. He was appointed to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland on August 18, 1994.
Judge Williams is a native of Washington, D.C. and has been a resident of Prince George's County, Maryland since 1973. His parents instilled in him the importance of continuing his education, working hard, believing in himself, staying humble, and maintaining a strong sense of integrity and personal ethics. Judge Williams' decision to become an attorney was made while a student in the seventh grade. His grandfather, an elevator operator at the Courthouse in the District of Columbia, often discussed with him the details of many cases taking place at the courthouse. These conversations convinced Judge Williams that being a lawyer would enable him to assist others in securing justice. Judge Williams was also impressed by the brilliance, commitment, and courage of his professional mentor, Professor Herbert O. Reid, Sr.
In addition to being the first African-American nominated by President Clinton to the federal court, Williams was also the first African-American elected as a State's Attorney for Prince George's County, Maryland, becoming the first African-American elected county-wide in Prince George's over 300 year history. He served in that position from 1987 to 1994.
Judge Williams has practiced law in both the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia in various capacities. He served as a Professor of Law at Howard Law School from 1978 to 1989. Judge Williams was a private practitioner from 1974-1986. From 1975 to 1987, he was a municipal attorney for the town of Fairmount Heights and Glenarden, Maryland. He also served as a law clerk to the Honorable James H. Taylor, Associate Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Maryland from 1973 to 1974.
Judge Williams enjoys "doing justice." After twenty years of practicing, teaching and enforcing the law, Judge Williams had a desire to serve in a judicial capacity. He learned of and became interested in one of three vacancies on the federal district court in Maryland around November of 1992. After submitting his name to the senior U.S. Senator for consideration, he was nominated by President Clinton on August 6, 1993.
Judge Williams' experiences as a judge have matched his high expectations:
Many of the attorneys representing the litigants in federal court are superb. The type of cases filed and heard in the federal court have a far reaching impact on the lives of citizens. I get personal joy and satisfaction upon making a decision which I deem just and appropriate following careful reflection and consideration of the facts and applicable law.
Judge Williams has held various positions in several professional, public, civic and community organizations. In particular, Judge Williams takes pride in being among the Founders and the first President of the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association (a Maryland affiliate of the National Bar Association).
Judge Williams advises those aspiring to become lawyers or judges to continue to learn, grow and develop, and maintain a high ethical standard. He also emphasizes how important it is to "never comprise your integrity."