Honorable Zuberi Williams
State of Maryland Judiciary, District Court Judge
Alma Mater: American University-Washington College of Law
zuberi.williams@mdcourts.gov | 301.563.8867
Honorable Zuberi Bakari Williams believes that opportunity is the oxygen of our community. It is required to sculpt the true complexion of America’s future and shortens long odds. Judge Williams is himself no stranger to long odds and how opportunity changes them. His mother is an immigrant from a small South American village and his father was raised on the west side of Chicago’s inner city.
At the age of 36, he was appointed by Governor Martin O’Malley as one of the youngest judges in Maryland history.
Williams is obsessed with providing that oxygen to others, including the poor, people of color, women, and members of our LGBTQ community to allow them authentic access to the “American Dream.” To provide this oxygen for law students of color, Williams runs the ABA’s Judicial Opportunity Program (JIOP) for Maryland. He took JIOP to new levels by singlehandedly forging powerful relationships with some of America’s top companies, including Facebook, Google, Discovery Channel, and Under Armour. He walks JIOP interns into the company’s headquarters to meet with high level executives. These meetings allow interns to learn how to be better candidates for employment while providing executives exposure to qualified diverse candidates in intimate settings.
Get to Know Zuberi
How I watch Netflix and Hulu.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your 21-year old self?
I would tell myself, “It’s not about you . . . it’s about the depth and broad nature of the impact you create for others.”
Sometimes we get so caught up in our success that we forget that we stand on the shoulders of others who came before us. We should focus on allowing others to stand on our shoulders. It is the only we see further, do more, and prepare for the future.
Hanging with Donald Glover. Back in the day when I hung out with celebs in LA all the time. #AnotherLife
What about your upbringing contributed to your success as an attorney?
I am no stranger to long odds and how opportunity changes them. My mother is an immigrant from a small South American village and his father was raised on the west side of Chicago’s inner city.
Growing up my parents instilled in us to see the good in people. To understand that everyone has a story and folk’s are often shaped by the odds they perceived. To shorten those odds for folks. To give them hope. To inspire them to do better.
Each person I dealt with, no matter defendant, prosecutor, judge, bailiff, secretary or random person on the street, I remembered that.
What is your favorite quote and what makes it so meaningful to you?
“Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.” – Invictus
It is part of the first poem I learned. Reciting it with my father was one of my fondest memories.
TCU Rose Bowl Victory.
What is your social media “guilty pleasure” — who/what do you follow on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook that you find fascinating, and why?
Laughing at @DepressedDarth (Darth Vader) on twitter. Because the force and farce is strong in that one.
If you weren’t in your current job, what would be your dream job?
A Geologist. Just me, some old dirt, artifacts, and an Indiana Jones hat.
List one show you “binge-watched” recently and what was it about the show that captivated your attention?
Black Mirror, because it’s the Outer Limits with today’s technology.
Which Stranger Things character do you most identify with now or, better yet, in 1983 — and why?
Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) – because like him, I was the loudest and nerdiest of all my friends growing up.