A legislative panel on Thursday voted to advance Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s nominee, longtime attorney Pedro K. Williams, to serve as a Superior Court judge for the St. Thomas–St. John district, following a wide-ranging confirmation hearing that focused on court backlogs, judicial impartiality and access to justice for everyone in the territory.
The Senate Rules and Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Carla J. Joseph, voted 6–0, with one member absent, to forward Williams’ nomination to the full Legislature for final consideration.
Williams, who has spent nearly 40 years practicing law, told senators he would bring decades of courtroom experience and a reputation for integrity to the bench.
“As a judge, I pledge to be fair, unbiased, respectful and empathetic,” he told senators, adding that he must “know the law and be able to apply the law to the facts and understand how my judicial decisions will affect … the persons appearing before me,” Williams said.
Born in Antigua and raised on St. Thomas from age 6, Williams is a 1978 graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Tufts University in 1982 and a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1985.
After law school, Williams worked in Washington, D.C., as a legislative assistant and later as chief counsel to then-Virgin Islands Delegate Ron de Lugo. He later returned home to serve as district manager of the congressional office and as legal counsel to the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Commission.
He has appeared before the Virgin Islands Supreme Court, the federal District Court and its Appellate Division, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and numerous territorial boards and agencies. He has also served as an administrative law judge in unemployment cases.
In private practice, Williams rose from associate to partner before forming his own firm, now Williams & Williams, where his son is a partner. His work has included representation of government agencies such as the Government Employees’ Retirement System Board, the Virgin Islands Board of Education and the Labor Department, multiple labor unions, medical and financial institutions, and numerous individuals and small businesses. He has also served on several public and nonprofit boards.
Senators questioned Williams about how he would maintain impartiality after decades of legal practice representing labor unions, government agencies and private clients, particularly in cases involving former clients or professional associates.
Williams said he would adhere to the Code of Judicial Conduct, recuse himself when required and, when appropriate, seek informed waivers from the parties to avoid unnecessary delays in proceedings.
He acknowledged that recusals would be necessary in some matters but said they would not significantly affect his workload. Williams noted that the Superior Court has a large backlog of cases and said that when recusals are required, “there are many other cases that will fill my docket, so I don’t see that as a real concern.”
Several senators focused on the Superior Court’s backlog and frequent continuances, raising concerns about delays in moving cases through the system. Sen. Avery L. Lewis referred to “backlog and backlog and backlog,” while Committee Chair Sen. Carla J. Joseph described docket management as a “key, key managerial issue.”
Joseph asked Williams what steps he could take as a judge to move cases more efficiently and reduce delays.
Williams said he understood the concerns raised by lawmakers and the community about the court’s ability to handle its caseload. “I also truly understand the legislature’s, community and, frankly, my colleagues’ concerns about the court’s ability to move cases,” he said. “I understand that justice delayed is justice denied.”
Williams said he would work to manage his docket efficiently, including using electronic case-tracking systems, ruling from the bench when issues are straightforward and issuing timely written decisions in more complex cases.
He also linked court efficiency to fairness for low-income and self-represented litigants. Williams said he supports the use of standardized court forms to help people navigate the system and believes judges should sometimes ask attorneys to step in when litigants cannot afford counsel. Legal Services of the Virgin Islands does a tremendous job, but they’re overwhelmed,” he said, adding that allowing judges to call on private attorneys to represent people who cannot afford a lawyer, even in a few cases each year, “will certainly go a long way.”
Williams also addressed concerns about continuances. “There are legitimate reasons for continuances,” he said. “However, a judge must know the counsel … and whether they are being provided with legitimate reasons … or counsel who has not done the work and prepared for trial.” He said he would be able to tell the difference and “act accordingly.”
Senators praised Williams’ experience, temperament and deep roots in the community. Several said they had long known him as a steady presence in public life and indicated they intend to support his confirmation when it reaches the full Legislature.
