The Honorable Judge Betty Staton, a prominent figure in the legal community, has made significant contributions to social justice and community service throughout her career. Staton, who served as a family court judge and was the former president of BROOKLYN LEGAL SERVICES, has been a role model for many, overcoming personal and societal challenges to advocate for those in need.
Early Life and Education
Born into a family of tenant farmers in the South, Staton’s upbringing was marked by the realities of racial segregation. At the age of seven, she and her mother, alongside her younger sister, moved to a burgeoning middle-class community in Bedford Stuyvesant, New York. Staton attended P.S. 70 and later excelled as an Arista Student in high school. She initially enrolled at Brooklyn College, but left to support her then-fiancé, a decision she later regretted.
Determined not to let a man derail her aspirations again, she returned to education, ultimately completing her associate’s degree. Staton also attended charm school, where she proudly noted her connection to the renowned Ophelia DeVore program. After gaining experience in various jobs, including the garment district and federal government positions, she returned to Brooklyn College to complete her bachelor’s degree.
Path to Law and Advocacy
Staton’s journey into law began unexpectedly when a cousin suggested she consider a legal career. This pivotal moment led her to pursue a full scholarship to New York University Law School at the age of 41. While there, she founded the Black Latino Asian Pacific Alumni Association, fostering a community for alumni of color that continues to thrive today.
Upon graduating, Staton took her first position in legal services at the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, where she eventually became deputy director and director of outreach and education. In 1987, she co-founded the first African-American female law firm in New York State, Boyd Staton and Cave, establishing a foundation for her future endeavors in legal advocacy.
In 1991, she was appointed as a family court judge by Mayor David Dinkins. Throughout her tenure, Staton addressed systemic issues within family court, emphasizing the need for judges of color to tackle cultural misconceptions and support families in crisis. She described her role as a ministry, reflecting on her own experiences as a latch-key child.
Continued Commitment to Community
Staton retired from her judicial role in 2004 but continued her commitment to community service by returning to Brooklyn Legal Services. She provided essential legal support to residents facing challenges in housing, foreclosure, and immigration. Her dedication to social justice culminated in her retirement in 2024.
Outside of her professional life, Judge Staton enjoys dancing, particularly Latin styles, and remains an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Clinton Hill, where she currently resides. She believes in the importance of finding personal joy and sharing that joy with others.
“There are only two important questions you should ask yourself in life: Did you find joy in your life and did your life bring joy to someone else?” Staton reflected.
Judge Betty Staton’s journey illustrates the profound impact one individual can have on their community through unwavering dedication and resilience. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to many aspiring legal professionals and advocates for social justice.
