Councilmember Charles Allen, Chair of the D.C. Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, issued the following statement regarding the Judicial Nomination Commission’s selection of The Honorable Anita Josey-Herring to serve as the D.C. Superior Court’s next Chief Judge.

“Yesterday, the Judicial Nomination Commission announced its selection of The Honorable Anita Josey-Herring as the next Chief Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to serve following the transition of Chief Judge Robert Morin in September. I am pleased to congratulate Judge Josey-Herring on her historic and well-deserved appointment.

I also want to thank The Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan – the Chair of the Judicial Nomination Commission – the other Commission members, and Commission staff, for their work in evaluating applications, soliciting public input, and making the selection. I’m sure the decision was not an easy one, particularly with the three outstanding applicants.

There are so many transformational issues confronting the District’s justice system, with COVID-19, civil and criminal justice reform, access to justice, and public safety top among them. It is a time of great change and opportunity. I know Judge Josey-Herring to be a committed public servant, and I am confident her vision and approach to leadership will be responsive to these urgent challenges. I look forward to a collaborative relationship, as our collegiality and partnership benefits both branches of government and District residents. 

I also want to recognize the excellent work of Chief Judge Morin, who has ably guided the Court through turbulent times and has been a dedicated partner in the pursuit of justice for all. I have been fortunate to work with Judge Morin while I’ve chaired the Committee, and I truly cannot thank him enough for his leadership, integrity, and friendship. I wish him all the best in this next stage of his career and life, and I know the Court will be in good hands.”