April 9, 2025 Story by: Editor
J. Michelle Childs has established herself as a distinguished figure in the legal community, known for her extensive experience and commitment to justice.
With a career spanning several decades, Childs has made significant contributions to the judiciary, earning respect and admiration from her peers and the public alike. Her journey through the legal landscape is marked by a dedication to fairness and an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law.
As a trailblazer in her field, Childs continues to inspire future generations of legal professionals with her exemplary service and leadership.
Educational Background
- In 1988, Childs earned a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of South Florida.
- She received her Juris Doctor and a Master of Arts in personnel and employment relations from the University of South Carolina in 1991.
- In 2016, she obtained a Master of Laws in judicial studies from Duke University School of Law.
Career Before the Bench
- From 1992 to 2000, Childs worked at Nexsen Pruet, LLC in Columbia, S.C., becoming the first Black female partner in a major South Carolina law firm.
- She served as deputy director of the Division of Labor at the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation from 2000 to 2002.
- From 2002 to 2006, Childs was a commissioner on the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Judicial Experience
- In 2006, Childs was elected as a Richland County Circuit Court judge, serving in various administrative roles and as an acting justice on the state’s Supreme Court.
- Nominated by President Barack Obama, Childs was confirmed to the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina in 2010.
- In 2021, President Biden nominated her to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, but her nomination was paused while she was considered for the Supreme Court.
Notable Rulings
- In 2009, Childs sentenced five individuals involved in a major armored car heist to at least 25 years in prison.
- In 2014, she ruled in favor of recognizing a same-sex marriage performed in Washington, D.C., in South Carolina.
- In 2017, she ordered the removal of 1 metric ton of weapons-grade plutonium from South Carolina.
- In 2020, she struck down a witness requirement for absentee voting during the pandemic.
- In 2021, she upheld a Covid-19 vaccine mandate for employees of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions.
Support and Criticism
House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn and Sen. Lindsey Graham have both expressed support for Childs, citing her qualifications. However, some labor leaders and progressive activists have criticized her past work for employers and her rulings on criminal justice issues.
Personal Life
Julianna Michelle Childs was born in Detroit in 1966 and is currently 55 years old.
Source: Politico
