Hon. Genine Edwards ’92

Mentoring has deep roots for Kings County Supreme Court Justice Genine Edwards. From her childhood in Brooklyn, to her years at St. John’s Law, and all along her career path to public service, it’s been received and given generously. Today, Judge Edwards continues to share her experience and wisdom as she mentors the next generation of St. John’s lawyers.

“My first mentor was my mother, who taught me to strive to be all I can be,” Judge Edwards recalls. “My Aunt Sybil also exposed me to many careers. When I mentioned becoming an architect, she took me around New York City to view the oldest buildings.” As a new student at St. John’s Law, Judge Edwards found a willing and able mentor in the late Professor Cynthia Straker Pierce. “She encouraged me to press on even though classes were quite challenging,” she says. After earning her law degree, Judge Edwards became an Assistant Corporation Counsel at the New York City Law Department, where she forged another strong mentoring relationship.

“Troy K. Webber, who is now an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, gave me invaluable guidance in those first years of practice and remains my mentor,” Judge Edwards says. “I was privy to her experience as an attorney and as a candidate for election, which solidified my desire to become a judge.” Now that she is presiding in Brooklyn, Judge Edwards continues to rely on her circle of mentors. “I’m fortunate to have many woman jurists supporting me,” she shares. “We’ve created a safe space to discuss different professional and personal issues, and I benefit greatly from their perspective.”

Judge Edwards’ experiences as a mentee made her eager to “pay it forward” as a mentor to many aspiring and young lawyers, who often join her to observe her work in the courtroom. She sees mentoring as especially key for women in the law. “You must surround yourself with wise people who have already traversed the path you’re embarking on,” she notes. “And, once you become an attorney, mentors can help you gain the insight you need to navigate the landmines on your journey.”

Over the years, Judge Edwards has worked closely with college students participating in the Ronald H. Brown Law School Prep Program, an award-winning pipeline initiative of the Ronald H. Brown Center for Civil Rights at St. John’s Law. “Being a judicial liaison for the Prep Program is indeed a labor of love,” she says. “My interns and mentees stay in contact with me, and I’m happy to be a small part of their professional trajectory and success.” Judge Edwards also shares her time and experience with students at the Law School.

That’s where she first met Ashley Williams ’21, who is now her mentee. “We forged a relationship when Ashley was a 1L and I was a panelist at a networking program sponsored by the Women’s Law Society,” Judge Edwards says. “I offered her advice and encouragement. For example, during her second semester, she was hesitant about study groups. But after our conversation, she found a group and it made a huge difference. I was thrilled to see her thrive as I knew she could.”

Williams, who sat for the New York Bar Exam in July, is grateful for this special relationship. “Beyond helping me directly, Judge Edwards informed and uplifted so many students through programs I organized with the Women’s Law Society and the Black Law Students Association,” she says, adding, “It means a lot to me to have her support. As a Black woman in a position of power, she inspires me and I’m forever thankful for her mentorship.”

The inspiration and gratitude are mutual. “Mentoring is a two-way street,” Judge Edwards observes. “The mentor easily becomes the mentee, and vice versa. That’s one of the things I really enjoy about it. I also appreciate that it keeps me close to my alma mater and, especially, to women in the student body who go on to become my fellow alumnae and colleagues in the field. It’s empowering to help build and sustain a vibrant community of St. John’s Law women in this way, and I look forward to doing it for many years to come.”