By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
Seattle Municipal Court recently announced Judge Anita Crawford-Willis as its new presiding judge. Raised in Seattle’s Central District, Crawford-Willis is a proud Kings High School graduate and alumna of Seattle University, where she earned both her undergraduate degree and law degree. Since joining the court in 2017, she has built on her 30-year career as a public defender, judge pro tem, and administrative law judge, developing a reputation for her “impartial, compassionate, and exceedingly fair-minded” approach to the law.
Reflecting on her new role, Judge Crawford-Willis expressed both excitement and humility. She explained that becoming the presiding judge wasn’t something she actively pursued, but she was encouraged by her colleagues to step up.
“It’s not something that I sought out; my colleagues encouraged me to do it, and so I said yes,” shared Crawford-Willis. “Once I decide to do something, then I go full speed. I’m excited to bring some new energy, build upon the things that have already been established, and keep us moving in the right direction. I have a lot of ideas about how to make our court even better.”
Crawford-Willis has been a pillar in the legal community for decades, earning the title of Seattle University Law School’s Woman of the Year in 2014. In addition to her judicial career, she has held several leadership positions, including serving on Seattle University’s Board of Regents, Law Alumni Board, and currently on its Board of Trustees. She has also contributed her time and energy to various community organizations, such as the King County Boys & Girls Clubs, where she served as a board member for 13 years, and the Loren Miller Bar Association. Recently, she received the Washington State Bar Association’s 2022 Outstanding Judge Award, recognizing her dedication to justice.
Throughout her career, Judge Crawford-Willis has prioritized ensuring equal access to justice for all. A central focus of her efforts moving forward is expanding the court’s Community Resource Center, which provides services such as job training and support for those most in need. She is committed to fostering a legal system where every person feels seen, heard, and respected.
“People are really my thing,” Crawford-Willis emphasized. “I’m excited to take care of the people in our building and make them feel the same way we want the public to feel—those who have been accused of crimes, too. I want them to feel seen, heard, and valued.”
Crawford-Willis’ passion for justice took root at an early age. At just eight years old, she attended a court proceeding where a lawyer represented her cousin. That experience left a lasting impression and set her on the path to becoming an attorney.
“My father took me to a trial for my cousin, who, as a juvenile, often got in trouble with the law,” she recalled. “As I watched the lawyer help my cousin, I was mesmerized. I thought to myself, ‘I want to do that. I want to help people like he’s helping my cousin,’ but at that time, I didn’t even really know what being a lawyer meant.”
As a Black woman in the judiciary, Judge Crawford-Willis acknowledges the unique challenges that come with her role. Bias, both conscious and unconscious, remains a significant hurdle in the justice system, particularly for the African American community. Data shows stark disparities in arrest rates, convictions, and sentencing for Black people compared to their white counterparts. As a Black woman in general, Crawford-Willis is acutely aware of these challenges but remains committed to impartiality and fairness in her courtroom.
“We still face challenges of bias—some because people aren’t always used to seeing a Black face on the bench and a woman, also,” Crawford-Willis said. “I think we’ll always face that, but what I try to do is make sure that regardless of what I face, the people in my courtroom don’t feel that bias. It’s important that they feel seen and heard, even if I don’t rule in their favor.”
Crawford-Willis strives to ensure that respect and dignity are core elements of her courtroom experience.
“You’d be surprised how many people have not been respected,” she said. “A simple thing like addressing someone as Mr. or Ms. can make a difference. Even if I don’t rule the way they want, they know they were heard, and that’s really important to me.”
She also wants to broaden the public’s understanding of the role the Seattle Municipal Court plays. Beyond hearing cases and issuing fines, the court offers a wide range of resources to help citizens in need. Crawford-Willis wants the public to know that they are welcome to seek assistance, even if they aren’t facing legal troubles.
“We have a court resource center where we provide food, clothing, and information on job training,” she explained. “You don’t have to be in trouble to come to our courthouse. We want to be a welcoming place, not just somewhere you come because you’re in trouble.”
Judge Crawford-Willis’ sense of community and justice is deeply personal. Living in South Seattle with her husband, Pervis, and their daughter, Taylor, she remains committed to serving the people of her hometown. Outside of the courtroom, the family enjoys traveling, attending philanthropic events, and cheering on the Seattle University Redhawks. Judge Crawford-Willis’ strong connection to Seattle, both professionally and personally, shapes her approach to her new role as presiding judge, and she is committed to making a lasting positive impact.
Her vision for the future of the Seattle Municipal Court is clear: a court system that provides fair, accessible, and compassionate justice for all. As she takes on this new leadership role, Crawford-Willis is supported by the majority of her peers who elected her into this position.
