The Honorable Judge Betty Staton has made significant contributions to the legal field and her community. A former president of Brooklyn Legal Services, she has dedicated her life to addressing social injustices and advocating for those in need. Staton’s journey from a young girl in the South to a respected judge reflects her resilience and commitment to public service.
Born into a family of tenant farmers, Staton experienced the challenges of racial segregation firsthand. She moved to Bedford-Stuyvesant in New York City at the age of seven with her mother and sister. The transition to a growing middle-class community shaped her aspirations. Staton attended P.S. 70 and later became an Arista Student in high school. Although she initially enrolled at Brooklyn College, her educational journey faced interruptions due to personal circumstances.
Staton’s path took a turn when she decided to reclaim her education. After a brief hiatus from school, she returned to earn her associate’s degree and pursued a career in early childhood education, aided by her graduation from Ophelia DeVore’s charm school. “I’m an Ophelia DeVore graduate,” she stated, highlighting the impact of that experience on her professional development.
Throughout the 1970s, Staton balanced family life—raising two sons—with various jobs, including roles in the garment district and federal government. In a pivotal moment, she was encouraged by a supervisor to complete her degree, leading her to Brooklyn College once again. This time, her focus shifted toward law after a cousin suggested she pursue a legal career. “I thought, ‘Yes, that’s what I’m supposed to do, work in law,'” Staton recalled.
In 1984, at the age of 41, Staton earned a full scholarship to New York University School of Law. While studying, she founded the Black Latino Asian Pacific Alumni Association, which continues to support alumni of color. After graduating, she began her legal career with the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, ultimately becoming the deputy director and director of outreach and education.
In 1987, Staton co-founded New York’s first African-American female law firm, Boyd Staton and Cave, located in Downtown Brooklyn. Her commitment to social justice led to her appointment as a family court judge by Mayor David Dinkins in 1991. Staton recognized the cultural dynamics affecting family court cases, stating, “There is a glaring absence of judges of color to understand and deal with that.”
During her tenure, Staton confronted ongoing social challenges within impoverished communities. “That’s the discouraging part of practicing law: When you see a social problem that is widespread, you can’t do anything but see the same issues over and over again,” she observed. Despite these challenges, she viewed her role as a ministry, striving to support families during difficult times.
Staton retired from her judicial position in 2004 but returned to Brooklyn Legal Services and later worked as a per diem Judicial Hearing Officer until budget cuts eliminated that role. Her legal work focused on providing free counsel and representation in housing, foreclosure, and immigration matters. She officially retired in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and service.
Beyond her professional achievements, Judge Staton values personal joy and community connection. An active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Clinton Hill, she balances her dedication to service with a love for dancing, particularly Latin styles. “Did you find joy in your life and did your life bring joy to someone else?” she asks, emphasizing the importance of joy in life.
Judge Betty Staton stands as a remarkable figure in both the legal field and her community, exemplifying the impact one individual can have on many. Her commitment to justice, education, and personal fulfillment serves as an inspiration for future generations.
