Anna Blackburne-Rigsby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anna Blackburne-Rigsby
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| Chief Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals | |
| Assumed office March 18, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Eric T. Washington |
| Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals | |
| Assumed office August 2006 |
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| Appointed by | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Frank E. Schwelb |
| Judge of the District of Columbia Superior Court | |
| In office 2000–2006 |
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| Appointed by | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Eric T. Washington |
| Succeeded by | Heidi Pasichow |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Anna Elizabeth Blackburne
May 6, 1961 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Spouse | Robert Rigsby |
| Education | Duke University (BA) Howard University (JD) |
Anna Elizabeth Blackburne-Rigsby was born on May 6, 1961. She is the chief judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. This is the highest court in Washington, D.C. that reviews decisions from lower courts.
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Early Life and Education
Anna Blackburne-Rigsby was born in Washington, D.C.. She finished high school in 1979 at Jamaica High School in Queens, New York.
College and Law School
She went to Duke University and earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 1983. While there, she received the Duke University Presidential Leadership Award. After college, she worked as a public affairs fellow in San Francisco, California.
In 1987, she earned her law degree (called a J.D.) from the Howard University School of Law. She was among the top students in her class. She also worked as an editor for the Howard Law Journal.
Her Career in Law
After law school, Anna Blackburne-Rigsby worked at a law firm called Hogan & Hartson for five years. She handled cases about education, real estate, and fairness in the workplace.
Working for Washington, D.C.
In 1992, she started working for the Corporation Counsel for D.C.. She first served as a special counsel. Later, she became the Deputy Corporation Counsel for the Family Services Division. This team helped protect children from abuse and supported families dealing with domestic violence.
In 1995, she became a hearing commissioner at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. This role was later renamed Magistrate Judge.
Becoming a Judge
In 2000, President Bill Clinton appointed her as an Associate Judge in the D.C. Superior Court. During her time there, she worked on committees focused on fairness and access to justice in the courts.
In August 2006, President George W. Bush promoted her. She became an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Then, in March 2017, she was given her current role as the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. She was reappointed for another 15-year term in 2021.
Teaching and Advocacy
Anna Blackburne-Rigsby strongly believes in equal rights and justice. She is on the board of directors for a group that promotes fairness in courts for different racial and ethnic groups.
She also teaches law at Harvard Law School and the University of the District of Columbia. She helps new lawyers learn about trial advocacy and professional responsibility.
Personal Life
Anna Blackburne-Rigsby is married to Robert Rigsby. He is also a judge at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Her mother, Laura D. Blackburne, was also a judge on the New York Supreme Court. Laura Blackburne was a big inspiration for Anna's career in law. Laura first studied dance in college. Later, she went to law school and became a judge. Anna and her mother both served as judges at the same time, following their passion for law.
