Judge Karen Wells Roby is being recognized as a true trailblazer and leader for Black lawyers and judges. Recently, she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society for her unwavering commitment to improving the legal profession. This prestigious award is given to individuals who have dedicated their entire lives to serving and advancing the legal field.
Having served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana for 25 years, Roby has built a reputation for mediating disputes and delivering thoughtful legal judgments on complex cases. Her leadership extends beyond the courtroom as she served as the President of the Federal Magistrate Judges Association (FMJA) from 2017 to 2021, representing over 600 U.S. Magistrate Judges nationwide. During her tenure, she advocated for wage increases for serving and retired federal magistrate judges, highlighting her commitment to supporting her colleagues.
Roby's involvement in the American Bar Association and her various leadership positions demonstrate her dedication to advancing the legal profession. Additionally, she has organized the Professional Success Summit (PSS), a gathering aimed at educating emerging leaders on networking, marketing, and branding. Her efforts extend to her role as an adjunct professor at Tulane Law School, where she has been a devoted member of the faculty for 12 years. She has also served as the Dean's advisor, contributing to Tulane Law School's ongoing efforts to diversify its student body and the legal profession as a whole.
Furthermore, Roby played a significant role in organizing the Tulane Law School Black Alumni Reunion, which celebrated the achievements of Black law students over the past 50 years. Her commitment to recognizing and honoring the accomplishments of Black legal professionals highlights her role as a true trailblazer and leader in the industry.
Judge Karen Wells Roby's lifetime of dedication to the legal profession and her tireless efforts to support and uplift Black lawyers and judges make her a true role model. Her achievements and leadership serve as an inspiration to aspiring legal professionals and highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion within the legal field.