About Judge Anita Crawford-Willis
Judge Anita Crawford-Willis has held the esteemed position of Presiding Judge at Seattle Municipal Court since January 2025. Originally appointed to the Seattle Municipal Court in2017, she has proudly been re-elected by the citizens of Seattle twice. Her judicial service follows a distinguished 30-year career in public service, during which she honed her legal acumen as a Public Defender, served as a Judge Pro Tem, and held the role of assistant deputy chief at the Office of Administrative Hearings.
A proud native of Seattle, Judge Crawford-Willis was raised in the city's central district. Her foundational values were deeply influenced by her parents, both dedicated members of the machinist union (IAM 751), who contributed 35 years to the Boeing production line. Their unwavering guidance and work ethic are recognized by Judge Crawford-Willis as the cornerstone of her remarkable achievements.
Judge Crawford-Willis is a dedicated alumna of Seattle University, having earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from the institution. Her commitment extends beyond her studies, as she has consistently served as an influential alumni leader, passionately mentoring and empowering aspiring legal professionals. She finds immense joy in witnessing her cherished mentees, whom she affectionately considers her "babies," achieve excellence in their respective careers.
Throughout her legal journey, Judge Crawford-Willis has been steadfast in her mission to enact positive change in the lives of those she encounters, with a particular focus on empowering women and students of color. She operates on the profound belief that a judge's role transcends the bench, extending actively into community service. This philosophy is evident in her frequent engagements as a speaker and presenter at numerous community events. Her extensive board service further exemplifies this dedication, with past leadership roles including Chair of Boys and Girls Club of King County Corporate Board, Crista Ministries Board of Directors, Legal Voice Board, Washington State Supreme Court Gender and Justice Commission, Washington State Bar Association Access to Justice Commission, and The Loren Miller Bar Association. Her loyalty to Seattle University is reflected in her past service as Chair of the Alumni Board of Governors and Chair of the Board of Regents, as well as her tenure on the SU Law School Board of Governors. Currently, she continues to contribute to her alma mater as a member of the Seattle University Board of Trustees.
Further showcasing her leadership within the judiciary, Judge Crawford-Willis serves as President for The District and Municipal Court Judges’ Association (DMCJA). Her outstanding contributions have been widely recognized and celebrated by numerous organizations. Her alma mater has bestowed upon her multiple honors, including the Seattle University Law School Woman of the Year Award,the Seattle University Service Award, and the SU Law School Alumni Award. She was also honored by the SU Black Law Student Association Chapter (BLSA) as Alumni of the Year, earning the endearing title of "BLSA Mama." In 2022, she received the Outstanding Judge of the Year award from the Washington State Bar Association.
The Loren Miller Bar Association has recognized her exceptional dedication with the Social Justice Award and notably in 2025, presented her with the Lifetime Achievement Award – a truly meaningful accolade she considers a pinnacle of her distinguished career.
Beyond her professional life, Judge Crawford-Willis is a devoted wife to Pervis Willis and a proud mother to her daughter, Taylor, an emerging young leader poised to make a significant impact.