B.A., Texas Christian University - Neeley School of Business; J.D., American University - Washington College of Law; M.B.A., American University - Kogod School of Business
Judge Zuberi Bakari Williams is a distinguished American attorney and jurist. He is celebrated for his exceptional contributions to the legal profession and his unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the justice system. Born at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC, Williams was raised in a family of educators, instilling in him a profound sense of community, the value of education, and the importance of uplifting others.
Judge Williams’s early years were defined by academic excellence and active participation in extracurricular activities. He excelled academically and in leadership roles at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas. He earned a business degree from the Neely School Business, a top 25 ranked business school.
Motivated by his passion for the law, Williams pursued a Juris Doctor degree from American University’s Washington College of Law, where he earned accolades such as the Edward J. Walker Clinical Scholarship Award. He was also chosen by his peers to deliver the student commencement address. His pursuit of excellence continued as he obtained a MBA degree from American University’s Kogod School of Business, further enhancing his expertise in both law and business.
Upon completing his education, Williams embarked on an outstanding legal career. He served as a clerk for Chief Judge Robert M. Bell of Maryland’s highest court and later for U.S. District Federal District Court Judge Gerald Bruce Lee. Additionally, he worked as an attorney at Venable LLP, specializing in White Collar Crime. Driven by his dedication to justice and public service, Williams served as an Assistant Attorney General for the District of Columbia, handling diverse cases involving employment discrimination, personal injury, police assaults, and whistleblower claims.
Williams’s exemplary legal career reached unparalleled heights when he was appointed as an Associate Judge of the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County in December 2015. Remarkably, at the age of 36, he became one of the youngest judges ever appointed in Maryland’s history, a testament to his legal acumen, integrity, and unwavering commitment to upholding justice.
Throughout his career, Judge Williams has been a steadfast advocate for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. He passionately addresses issues related to bias in the justice system and actively participates in initiatives focused on criminal justice reform. His advocacy extends beyond the courtroom, as he delivers impactful keynote speeches at prestigious conferences and events, emphasizing the vital importance of open-mindedness and fairness in the judicial process.
Recognized for his exceptional contributions, Judge Williams has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Leadership in Law Award, the VIP List of Most Successful by 40, and the National Bar Association’s 40 Under 40 Nation’s Best Advocates award. His unwavering dedication to the legal profession and his community has left an indelible mark, establishing him as a respected and inspiring figure in the legal landscape.