Annice M. Wagner facts for kids

Annice M. Wagner is a respected former judge who made a big difference in the legal system of Washington, D.C. She was born on September 9, 1937. She held important positions, including serving as the top judge, called the Chief Judge, of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for many years.

Early Life and Education

Annice M. Wagner grew up in Washington, D.C., where she was born. She attended Dunbar High School, a well-known school in the city. She graduated from high school in 1955.

After high school, she went to Wayne State University. She earned her first degree there in 1959. Later, she completed her law degree at the same university in 1962.

Early Career in Law

After finishing law school, Annice Wagner worked as a lawyer in Washington, D.C. for ten years. She worked at a law firm called Houston & Gardner. Some of her future colleagues, like Emmet G. Sullivan, also worked there.

From 1973 to 1975, she served as the main lawyer for the National Capital Housing Authority. This organization helped manage housing in D.C. In 1975, she became the People's Counsel. In this role, she represented and spoke up for people who used utility services in D.C.

Becoming a Judge

In June 1977, Annice Wagner became a judge for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. This was an important step in her legal career. She served in this court for many years.

In 1990, she was promoted to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. This is a higher court, similar to a state supreme court. She continued to serve as a judge there.

Leading the Court

On June 13, 1994, Judge Wagner was chosen to be the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. She was reappointed to this top position in 1998 and again in 2002. As Chief Judge, she helped improve how the judges worked together. She made the court a more friendly and cooperative place.

In 2005, she took "senior status," which means she worked part-time. She fully retired from being a judge in 2013.