Samantha Williams Runs for Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas

Candidate: Samantha Williams

Court: Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas

Party: Democrat

Philadelphia Bar Association Rating: Recommended

Ballot Position: 15

The following has been edited lightly for length and style.

The Legal Intelligencer: Tell us about your background, where you went to law school, what firms you have practiced at, and areas of law you focus on.

Samantha Williams: I’m a life-long resident of Philadelphia. I was raised and still live in West Philly. I am a proud product of the city’s public school system and obtained both of my degrees from Temple University. I made the decision early on that I wanted to dedicate my legal career to public service. I began my legal career as an assistant district Attorney in the Trial Division of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, where I had the privilege of advocating on behalf of crime victims. During my time at the DA’s Office, I was in court every day, handling a high volume of cases, encompassing a wide range of charges that enter into our criminal system. While I gained valuable trial skills, my experience reinforced the need to address the glaring gaps and disparities in our legal system. In 2016, I was given the unique opportunity to join Philadelphia City Council as a director of legislation and policy, specifically to work on reform policies. In that role, I presided over the three council committees that touch the relevant functions of our courts: the Legislative Oversight Committee, the Committee on Public Safety and the Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform. I also had the opportunity to write laws that ensured our city systems are fairer, more efficient and produce better outcomes for residents, including upgrades and improvements to the Fair Criminal Records Screening ordinance and legislation that created Philadelphia’s new Citizens Police Oversight Commission.

The Legal: What is one major thing about your career experience that most qualifies you for this position, and why?

Williams: The diversity of my legal experience, as both a trial attorney and a legislative director, provides me with a unique perspective rooted in the ability to see and navigate how our systems operate as a whole. I spent nearly seven years coordinating several large scale projects with the president judges of the First Judicial District, the District Attorney, the Police Commissioner and the Chief Defender, concerning a variety of issues affecting our residents in our court systems—including a recent report outlining metrics that all of these agencies can meet to improve outcomes in shooting cases. That experience only bolstered my understanding of court operations and how our systems work. Having judges that understand that the work that we do in one area of our system will have impacts on other areas of our system and our communities is an important quality that is vital in moving our court system forward.

The Legal: What is the main reason Pennsylvania voters should pick you?

Williams: Voters should choose me because I have a deep familiarity of the law (I’ve practiced it and I’ve written it), I am wholly invested in the future of this city and I have spent my legal career uplifting and addressing the needs of others.

The Legal: What will be your approach to moving matters efficiently through the case management system?

Williams: In my previous roles, I have demonstrated my ability to work hard and balance multiple high volume projects, all while consistently meeting deadlines. The promptness of justice is extremely important to me and I will apply these same principles to ensure prompt rulings and decisions from the bench.

The Legal: What would you say to voters regarding your plans to ensure the equal administration of justice for all people?

Williams: I would say that in order to have a system that truly works, judges have to be able to connect with those most likely to come before them. I understand what it’s like to grow up in this city. I have spent time advocating for the needs of the most vulnerable residents of this city. I have proven my commitment to changing our systems for the better. My life and career experiences provide me with the ability to understand the challenges that those who interact with our systems face and will enable me to create a culture within our courts of dignity and respect for all.

The Legal: Where can voters go for more information about you?

Williams: For more information about my campaign, please visit www.williamsforphillyjudge.com.