Judge Lynn Leibovitz: DC Superior Court Judge - News & Updates

19 May, 2025

Is there a quiet authority shaping the legal landscape of the nation's capital, a figure whose decisions resonate far beyond the courtroom walls? Lynn Leibovitz, an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, is quietly becoming one of the most influential figures in the D.C. legal system.

Born in New York City, Judge Leibovitz's journey to the bench is marked by academic excellence and a deep commitment to the law. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies and American Civilization from Brown University in 1981, followed by a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 1985. This solid academic foundation laid the groundwork for a distinguished legal career that eventually led her to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in 2001, a nomination from President George W. Bush that was later confirmed by the United States Senate on August 3, 2001. Her appointment was to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Judge.

Category	Details
Full Name	Lynn Leibovitz
Date of Birth	May 8, 1959
Place of Birth	New York City
Education	Bachelor of Arts, Brown University (1981); Juris Doctor, Georgetown University Law Center (1985)
Current Position	Associate Judge, Superior Court of the District of Columbia; Deputy Presiding Judge
Appointment Date	2001
Appointing President	George W. Bush
Legal Experience	Appointed to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in 2001. Presides over criminal cases, including serious felony offenses such as murder and sexual assault.
Key Cases/Notable Actions	Presiding over the inauguration day rioting cases; sentencing of defendants in various criminal cases.
Reappointment	Seeking reappointment to another term. Reappointment evaluation report was submitted to President Barack Obama.
Official Website (Reference)	District of Columbia Courts - Judge Lynn Leibovitz

Judge Leibovitz's influence extends beyond the routine administration of justice. She is currently the presiding judge of the criminal division, overseeing serious felony cases, including murder and sexual assault. This role places her at the forefront of the city's efforts to address violent crime and ensure public safety. Her courtroom has become a pivotal stage for some of the District's most complex and high-profile legal battles, with each ruling watched with keen interest by legal professionals and the public alike.

A recent example of Judge Leibovitz's involvement in high-profile cases can be seen in her role in the January 6th insurrection trials. She is presiding over all the inauguration day rioting cases in the District of Columbia Superior Court. In one instance, she sentenced Dane Powell, the first defendant to plead guilty to felony charges, to four months in prison. Her decisions in these cases will undoubtedly set precedents and shape the legal interpretation of the events of that day.

Judge Leibovitz's recent decisions further highlight the breadth of her impact. On March 21, she sentenced a shooting defendant to 17 years of incarceration, demonstrating her commitment to delivering justice and addressing the complex issue of gun violence in the city. In another case, she found a "moral certainty" in the collective guilt of the defendants, even if not evidentiary certainty, a delicate balance that underscores the weighty responsibilities of her position. The sentencing of individuals like the one in the shooting case showcases her role in addressing serious felony offenses in the district.

On the other hand, the sentencing for April 28, 2023, highlights the process Judge Leibovitz undertakes in delivering justice. According to the governments evidence presented at trial, on May 21, 2022, the victim was walking home on 15th Street in Northwest, Washington, D.C., from a bocce ball game when he was confronted by Duncan. Judge Leibovitz presided over the trial. The defendants will be arraigned on December 14, 2023, before the honorable Lynn Leibovitz. The details of this case, investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Marshals Service (USMS), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), paint a picture of the comprehensive legal processes she manages.

The Judges meticulous nature is also evident from the cases of the past. According to the governments evidence, on the morning of November 26, 1997, the partially clothed body of the victim, Deborah McKinney, was discovered in a stairwell of an apartment building in the 900 block of M Street NW. The details of this case reveal that her approach to justice is thorough and committed.

Judge Leibovitz is also often in the news. Judge Leibovitz sets a feverish pace, also hitting the DC Superior Court database. In the wake of the January 15 status hearing, Judge Lynn Leibovitz granted in part the defendants motion for a scheduling order. This demonstrates her commitment to efficiency and maintaining the pace of proceedings, even as she juggles a heavy caseload.

Her influence is also felt beyond the courtroom. Judge Leibovitz is seeking reappointment to another term, demonstrating her continued dedication to her work on the bench. Her reappointment evaluation report, which was submitted to President Barack Obama, provides insights into the assessment of her performance and her suitability for continued service. This reveals her commitment to justice in action.

In the context of legal proceedings, Judge Leibovitz has found a moral certainty in their collective guilt, though not an evidentiary certainty. Civil proceedings in a wrongful death suit filed by Robert's family will be the next chapter in this tragic story. Judge Leibovitzs sentencing often includes profound observations. For example, when imposing penalties, she stated, Hes absolutely unable to control himself or his actions.

It's also worth noting that Judge Leibovitz has lived in the District of Columbia since 1982, giving her an intimate understanding of the city and its people. She is not just a judge; she is a part of the community she serves.

The Honorable Lynn Leibovitzs decisions often have ramifications. For example, the details from trial, such as the victim walking home from a bocce ball game, show the need for a deeper understanding of the cases. The fact that current Chief Judge Robert E. Morin is retiring this fall after 24 years of service on the court will create even more changes in the court, and these changes will shift its dynamics.

In a city filled with legal professionals, Lynn Leibovitzs impact and influence cannot be ignored. While she may not be a household name, she is one of the most prominent judges on the D.C. bench. Her continued presence on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia will ensure that the pursuit of justice continues in the city.

Lynn District Court Photos and Premium High Res Pictures Getty Images

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3 veteran D.C. Superior Court judges,Josey Herring, Lee and Leibovitz

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