The Honorable Judge Wilma Lewis
District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis has officially transitioned to senior status as a Judge of the District Court of the Virgin Islands, effective February 15. Despite stepping down from full-time service, Judge Lewis has been immediately recalled to continue serving the court for an additional year, extending her tenure through February 16, 2026.
The announcement was made by Chief Judge Robert A. Molloy, who praised Judge Lewis for her unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the judiciary. Judge Lewis will remain in her current role under recall, continuing her judicial duties in the Division of St. Croix.
Reflecting on her career, Judge Lewis expressed gratitude for her extensive time in public service. “I have been a public servant in the federal sector for almost three-fourths of my 43-year career, and it has been an extraordinary honor and privilege to so serve,” she stated.
Judge Lewis was appointed to the federal bench in the Virgin Islands on July 28, 2011, making history as the first woman to serve as both a federal district judge and chief judge in the Virgin Islands. Her appointment to the bench marked her fourth Presidential nomination with U.S. Senate confirmation. Prior to her judicial service, she held several key federal roles, including Assistant Secretary and Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Interior, as well as being the first female U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
However, serving on the federal bench in the Virgin Islands was particularly meaningful to Judge Lewis. According to the release, returning home to serve the Virgin Islands community and to serve on the federal district court bench has been Judge Lewis's "singular honor."
Chief Judge Molloy commended Judge Lewis for her dedication and contributions to the District Court of the Virgin Islands. “Judge Lewis’s contributions to the Territory cannot be overstated. Through her extraordinary dedication and service to her country and her Virgin Islands community, she has exemplified the true tenets of public service. The Court looks forward to her continued service in her recalled capacity.”
Judge Lewis’ recall ensures that she will continue to play a vital role in the judiciary for the foreseeable future.
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