[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 120 (Thursday, July 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF JUDGE WILLIAM STEPHENS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 13, 2023

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Judge William 
Stephens, who passed away at the age of 88 on May 17, 2023. Judge 
Stephens was a beloved member of the community and dedicated public 
servant.
  Born in New Orleans in 1935, Judge Stephens moved to Sacramento 
during World War II. After graduating high school at age 16, he 
attended San Jose State University, becoming the first in his family to 
attend college. He worked for the California Water Board for eight 
years before enrolling in Hastings Law School. After graduating in 
1967, Judge Stephens joined the National Labor Relations Board and 
later became a public defender for Contra Costa County.
  In 1969, Judge Stephens moved to Mill Valley and joined Bagley & 
Bianchi law firm. After three years, he established his own private 
practice in Sausalito. As an attorney, he served numerous 
organizations, including as Director of the Marin County Bar 
Association, President of the Marin County Legal Aid Society, and 
Chairman of the Marin County Human Rights Commission. Dedicated to 
supporting disadvantaged groups. Judge Stephens lent his legal counsel 
to low-income Spanish-speakers, small business owners and 
entrepreneurs, and the Marin City Community Services District.
  For more than 30 years, Judge Stephens also mentored youth enrolled 
in Marin City's Performing Stars' enrichment program. Beyond Marin 
County, he volunteered with Village Baptist Church's Better Africa 
Foundation, supporting educational, medical, and cultural initiatives 
in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
  Judge Stephens developed a reputation for his commitment to fairness 
and restoring public trust in the legal system. Judge Stephens's 
journey to public office began with his campaign for the Marin County 
Municipal Court, narrowly losing the election in 1976. He was then 
appointed to the Court by Governor Jerry Brown in 1979, becoming the 
Court's first Black judge. After nine years on the Marin Municipal 
Court, he was easily elected to Marin County Superior Court where he 
served another eleven years until his retirement.
  Judge Stephens leaves behind his sons Stuart, Patrick, and Haynes 
Stephens, and his granddaughters Sabrina, Britainy, and Madison 
Stephens.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in extending 
condolences to Judge Stephens's family and friends, and in expressing 
deep appreciation for his decades of public service in his community.

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