HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA P.O. Box 1011 | Washington, D.C. 20013-1011 www.hbadc.org

December 18, 2020

Via Electronic Mail to [email protected]

District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission 515 5th Street NW, Suite 235 Washington, DC 20001

Re: Endorsement of Anna Blackburne-Rigsby for Redesignation as Chief of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals

Dear Sir or Madam:

The Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia (HBA-DC) is pleased to offer this endorsement of the Honorable Anna Blackburne-Rigsby for redesignation as Chief Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. We are confident that, based on Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby’s professional qualifications, vast experience as a judge, and demonstrated commitment to disenfranchised communities and the residents of the District of Columbia, she will continue to make a significant contribution to the Court as Chief Judge.

As the leading bar association for Hispanic attorneys in the Washington, DC area, the HBA-DC is committed to promoting the appointment of highly qualified and diverse candidates to leadership positions in our local . The HBA-DC undertakes a careful review of individuals who seek its endorsement to make certain that individuals with impeccable credentials, as well as proper temperament and character, are supported for these trusted positions. We ensure that candidates for endorsement meet the letter and spirit of our endorsement policy, which includes such criteria as established professional qualifications, and a demonstrated commitment to the District of Columbia in general as well as the rights and advancement of minority communities.

During her near 25-year tenure as a judge, Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby’s exemplary service demonstrates that she is well prepared to continue serving as Chief Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. She was sworn in as Chief Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in March 2017 and chairs the Joint Committee on Judicial Administration in the District of Columbia. She was nominated to serve as an associate judge on the appellate court in 2006 and previously served for more than a decade as an associate judge and magistrate judge on the District of Columbia . Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby is a member of the Conference of

P.O. Box 1011 ꞏ Washington, D.C. 20013-1011 [email protected] Chief Justices and chairs its Committee on Public Engagement, Trust and Confidence. She is a past president of the National Association of Women and former chair of the International Association of Women Judges’ Board of Managerial Trustees. She has taught Trial Advocacy at the Harvard Law School and Professional Responsibility as an Adjunct Professor at the David A. Clarke School of Law at the University of the District of Columbia.

Chief Judge Blackburne Rigsby has demonstrated her dedication to serving the residents of the District of Columbia, including students, families, and disadvantaged and marginalized communities. Of particular note is the Chief Judge’s deep commitment to racial equality and justice for all. The HBA-DC is honored to endorse Chief Judge Blackburne Rigsby. She is a well- regarded judicial officer and a tireless advocate for access to justice, who will continue to make an outstanding contribution to the Court as Chief Judge.

Respectfully Yours,

Ruben F. Reyna President Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia

P.O. Box 1011 ꞏ Washington, D.C. 20013-1011 [email protected]