Karen M. Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karen M. Williams
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| Judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey | |
| Assumed office November 1, 2021 |
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| Appointed by | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Jerome B. Simandle |
| Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey | |
| In office 2009–2021 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Karen Louise McGlashan
April 16, 1963 Syosset, New York, U.S. |
| Education | Pennsylvania State University (BS) Temple University (JD) |
Karen McGlashan Williams, born Karen Louise McGlashan on April 16, 1963, is an important judge in the United States. She serves as a United States district judge for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Before this, she was a United States magistrate judge in the same court.
Early Life and Education
Karen Williams was born in Syosset, New York. She is the oldest of five children. She grew up in Freeport, New York, and went to Baldwin Senior High School. After high school, she studied at Pennsylvania State University, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in 1985. Later, she went to Temple University Beasley School of Law and earned her law degree in 1992.
Career as a Lawyer
Before becoming a judge, Karen Williams worked as a lawyer for 17 years. She was part of a law firm called Jasinski & Williams, P.C. in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
During her time as a lawyer, she represented Atlantic City in various legal cases. For example, she handled a case where the city had disciplined a firefighter for using inappropriate language. She also defended Atlantic City when former employees claimed they were treated unfairly or discriminated against. She worked on cases related to the rights of people with disabilities. She also handled many cases involving workers' rights and company rules.
Besides her law practice, Karen Williams also taught law students. From 2010 to 2014, she was a professor at Rutgers Law School-Camden. Since 2020, she has also taught college students at Rowan University.
Becoming a Federal Judge
Karen Williams first became a United States magistrate judge on May 1, 2009. This is a type of judge who helps district judges with their work.
On March 30, 2021, President Joe Biden nominated her to become a United States district judge. She was chosen to fill a position that became open when Judge Jerome B. Simandle retired. Senator Cory Booker recommended her for this important role.
Some people had concerns about her nomination because of her past work defending companies in workplace disputes. However, after a hearing and a vote, her nomination was approved by the United States Senate on October 26, 2021. She officially became a judge on November 1, 2021. Karen Williams is the first Black judge to serve in the federal courthouse in Camden, New Jersey.
See Also
