Four Jamaicans were among 13 black women in Florida who were sworn in last week to argue cases before the United States Supreme Court.
The women have been added to the prestigious list of distinguished lawyers across the country. Five are judges, while eight are attorneys.
They were sworn in at the Supreme Court in Washington DC.
The Jamaicans include judges Maxine Cheesman and Cymonie Rowe, magistrate Maxine Williams, and attorney-at-law Allison Smith.
Cheesman noted that it was historic since a large group of black women had never previously gathered to be inducted at the US Supreme Court adding that it was also a great accomplishment for the State of Florida.
Lawyers are employed by the US Supreme Court, but they serve as law clerks who research on behalf of the nine justices. These law clerks are not eligible to represent persons before the Supreme Court. However, individuals like the 13 who were sworn in this week and come before the country’s highest court, must first meet specific requirements.
Furthermore, Judges, like Cheesman, cannot practice or argue cases before the Supreme Court until they are no longer judges. However, after retiring from the bench, they can eagerly await this prestigious position.
Cheesman, a 67-year-old civil court judge in Florida, was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and was the first black female Circuit Court judge elected in Palm Beach County.
She is a former chemist and transitioned into the legal profession 16 years ago.
She was recognized by the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County in 2012 for her work and is also a member of the Palm Beach County Sherrie Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association.
