“I decided to go to law school because I felt like that was the best way I could contribute to society,” Judge Staci Williams tells Local Profile. Her record on the bench is second only to her commitment to her community through her charitable activities and the creation of the Citizens’ Civil Academy.
A graduate of Smith College and the Georgetown University Law Center, Judge Williams has the education and experience desperately needed at the appellate level. A Texas native, Judge Williams has served the people of North Texas for almost 20 years.
Williams’ legal journey began with a simple yet profound motivation: to make a difference. "I wanted to leave the world a better place than I found it," she says, noting that law seemed the best path to achieve that goal. But her career was not without its challenges.
Reflecting on her early experiences, she knows the difficulty of being a woman in law. "It's so much better now than it was in the 1980s," she says while still acknowledging that the struggle persists. The most rewarding aspect of her work? "Seeing the system work for someone. It's a good feeling to know you were part of someone's path to justice."
One of the most pivotal decisions in her career was running for the 101st District Court. Now, after nearly two decades of service, Williams remains passionate about making justice more accessible in North Texas. She continues to focus on reducing backlogs and enhancing the efficiency of the Court of Appeals for the 5th District.
In addition to her judicial work, Judge Williams is also deeply committed to community education. In 2015, she launched the Citizens' Civil Academy (CCA), a program designed to demystify the civil court system for the public. The CCA, which is offered twice a year, explores how cases progress through the court system and provides citizens with a closer look at the George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building.
"I kept getting questions about how things worked and decided it was time to build an entire class around it," says Williams. “I wanted it to be personal and comfortable for people, to demystify the system and make it accessible to everyone.”
When asked what advice she would offer young women pursuing a career in law, Williams emphasized authenticity and perseverance. "Be yourself. Work hard and stay focused on your goals," she says. She credits much of her success to simple yet profound guidance: "Do your best," a piece of advice she carries with her in every aspect of her career.
Judge Williams’ dedication to her community extends beyond the courtroom. She has served on multiple boards, including The Hockaday School Board of Trustees and the Dispute Mediation Service, Inc. Board of Directors. Her support of local organizations, such as AIDS WALK South Dallas and various scholarship foundations, reflects her commitment to giving back to North Texas.
“This is my home,” she says, “and I am determined to make things better for everyone who shares this home with me.”
