Anna Blackburne-Rigsby facts for kids

Anna Elizabeth Blackburne-Rigsby (born May 6, 1961) is a very important judge. 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 made by lower courts. She works closely with her husband, Robert Rigsby, who is also a judge. Her mother, Laura D. Blackburne, has also been a big inspiration in her life.

Growing Up and School

Anna Blackburne-Rigsby was born in Washington, D.C.. She finished high school in Queens, New York, in 1979. After high school, she went to Duke University. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 1983. She even won a special award for her leadership at Duke University.

After college, she was one of only twelve people chosen for a special program. She worked in San Francisco, California, learning about public affairs. In 1987, she earned her law degree (called a J.D.) from Howard University School of Law. She was one of the top students in her class. While studying law, she was also a lead editor for the school's law journal. She was also a co-captain for the school's mock trial team.

Her Career as a Judge

After law school, Anna Blackburne-Rigsby worked as a lawyer for five years. She worked at a big law firm in D.C. There, she helped people with cases about education, property, and jobs.

In 1992, she started working for the government in D.C. She became a special lawyer for the city. Later, she led a team that helped children who had been abused or neglected. This team also helped families dealing with domestic violence.

In 1995, she became a hearing commissioner at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. This role is now called a Magistrate Judge. These judges handle certain types of cases.

In 2000, President Bill Clinton chose her to be an Associate Judge in the D.C. Superior Court. While she was an Associate Judge, she worked on committees. These committees made sure that the courts were fair and accessible to everyone.

President George W. Bush then promoted her in August 2006. She became an Associate Judge of the Court of Appeals. Her most recent promotion was in March 2017. That's when she became the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. She was reappointed for another 15-year term in 2021.

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. She also teaches law at Harvard Law School. She teaches other lawyers at the University of the District of Columbia.

Her Family Life

Anna Blackburne-Rigsby is married to Robert Rigsby. He is also an Associate Judge in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He used to be the main lawyer for the D.C. government.

Her mother, Laura D. Blackburne, has been a big influence on Anna. Laura Blackburne was a judge on the New York Supreme Court. She also led the New York City Housing Authority. Laura Blackburne first got a degree in dance in 1959. But 20 years later, she went to law school and became a lawyer and a judge. She also received special honorary law degrees. Before her mother retired, both Anna and Laura were judges at the same time. They both followed their passion for law.