Fellows Spotlight
Hon. Juliett L. Crawford
Connecticut Superior Court
- Why did you choose the legal profession as a career?
Teaching was originally my goal. I taught in Barbados, my native homeland, for a year before I immigrated when I was nineteen going on twenty. Fun fact, I was classified as a minor as the age of majority was twenty one, not eighteen. I was hired as a tutor for minority students with Project Concern and later worked as a Claims Representative for the Social Security Administration. I became interested in politics, working for social security. Between these two interests, I developed a passion for law.
- What do you enjoy most about being an attorney?
As a judge, I enjoy being the ‘neutral and detached magistrate’. I’m in a position where I can make a difference. As for teaching Trial Practice at Yale Law School, I love seeing the progress in students over the course of the semester and the year. There are always new students each semester as well, so, although the syllabus and content remains the same, there’s always opportunity for fun and exciting change to occur in a new class.
- What is the biggest challenge you have faced in the legal profession?
One of the biggest challenges that comes with being a judge is adapting to changes. It can be difficult to keep up with the new rulings because the field of law is always changing.
- What do you like most about Connecticut?
Coming from a small island like Barbados, I like the size of Connecticut. I also enjoy three out of the four seasons here (not winter).
- Please share any community service you have participated in and are most proud of.
One year, I was secretary of the Bar Association (‘94-’95). I’ve also served as chair of the Fellows Education Program Committee and Chair of the Fellows. I volunteered at The Burr Elementary School in Hartford in the truancy prevention program. I have also volunteered as a judge for the Mock Trial and Moot Court competitions at Yale and Quinnipiac Law Schools.
- Why is the Fellows Program special to you?
I was involved with the Connecticut Bar Foundation for many years before I became involved in the Fellows program. The Fellows program was created by Bar Foundation. In short, I really like the programs the Fellows do.
- Please share any favorite Fellows-related memory (an event, a fellow Fellow, etc.), or tell us about your favorite Fellows program/event/committee that you attended or worked on.
There’s this essay competition for high school kids I’ve done every year with a colleague of mine. I love working with the kids. It’s a really special moment when the top three finishers and their families are invited to the court to receive their award. I’m also very proud of the Constance Baker Motley Series, which acts in conjunction with the Connecticut Bar Association. We usually deliver about three presentations a year on various topics. I’ve also co-chaired with Vanessa Avery to give a presentation at Quinnipiac called “History of Attorneys of Color” which was particularly inspiring.
- Do you have any thoughts about, or ideas or visions for, the future of the Fellows program?
I hope the Fellows continue the Constance Baker Motley series, as well as a project called “History of Women in the Legal Profession.”
- Is there a fun fact about yourself that you would care to share with other Fellows?
I was a Prefect at my high school. Back in the day in Barbados, the teachers would move from class to class, not the students. As a Prefect, I was like “the boss” and could be compared to that of a hall monitor.
