Judge Sheila Tillerson Adams: Judicial Pioneer in Prince George’s County

Judge Sheila Tillerson Adams is celebrated by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter during Black History Month for her groundbreaking judicial career and enduring commitment to community-centered justice. From being the first African American woman appointed to the District Court in Prince George’s County to becoming Chief Judge of Maryland’s Seventh Judicial Circuit, Judge Adams has continually broken barriers and advanced equity in the legal profession.

Born in Washington, D.C., in 1957, Judge Adams was inspired to become a lawyer after hearing a Black female attorney speak at her school in seventh grade. That moment launched a lifetime of service in Maryland’s courts and communities. Over a four-decade legal career, she built a legacy defined by advocacy, leadership, and meaningful reform.

As we reflect on Black History Month, the FBA Maryland Chapter proudly honors Judge Sheila Tillerson Adams for her historic achievements and her lasting contributions to Maryland’s judiciary and public service landscape.

Legal Education and Early Career Milestones

Judge Sheila Tillerson Adams began her legal journey with a firm academic foundation and an early commitment to public service. She earned her Bachelor of Science in psychology, cum laude, from Morgan State University in 1979. She went on to obtain her Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law in 1982. She later pursued an LL.M. in taxation from Georgetown University Law Center, which she completed in 1987, demonstrating her continued pursuit of legal expertise.

Her legal career began at the Legal Aid Bureau from 1982 to 1984, where she provided legal services to low-income residents of Maryland. She then joined the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she prosecuted both misdemeanor and felony cases. Her leadership was soon recognized, and she was appointed chief of the Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Unit—one of the most sensitive and critical divisions in the office.

In 1988, Adams made history as the first African American appointed deputy county attorney in Prince George’s County. In this role, she provided legal oversight for public infrastructure and business matters, including serving as legal counsel to the Minority Business Opportunity Commission. These early career achievements underscored her multifaceted legal skillset and trailblazing presence in the public legal sector.

Judicial Appointments and Circuit Court Leadership

The historic judicial appointments of Judge Sheila Tillerson Adams reflect her lasting impact on Maryland’s courts. In 1993, she was appointed by Governor William Donald Schaefer as the first African American woman to serve on the District Court for Prince George’s County. Just three years later, she was elevated to the Circuit Court for the Seventh Judicial Circuit, continuing to build upon her growing judicial leadership.

Her most significant milestone came in 2010 when she was appointed Chief and Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County and the broader Seventh Judicial Circuit of Maryland. In that role, Judge Adams became responsible for court administration, case management, judicial appointments, and oversight of legal processes across one of the state’s most active circuits. Her stewardship of the bench lasted until her retirement on December 31, 2022.

Throughout her tenure, Judge Adams was widely respected for her fairness, procedural integrity, and passion for public service. She navigated the complexities of criminal, civil, and family law while also playing a central role in advancing access to justice across the region. Her leadership extended beyond the courtroom, setting an example for young lawyers and judges, especially women of color entering the judiciary.

Community Advocacy and Long-Term Impact

A defining feature of Judge Sheila Tillerson Adams’s judicial career was her deep-rooted commitment to community engagement and restorative justice. She consistently prioritized initiatives aimed at veterans, individuals returning from incarceration, and youth at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system. Recognizing that justice extends beyond the courtroom, she championed programs that promoted reentry support, rehabilitation, and crime prevention.

Judge Adams was also a forceful advocate for addressing juvenile crime through proactive community partnerships and equitable legal responses. She encouraged holistic approaches that combined accountability with opportunity, focusing on second chances and access to support services for young people. Her leadership helped reframe how Maryland’s judicial system approaches rehabilitation, particularly in underserved communities.

Even in her administrative roles, she remained engaged with the public and legal community, often speaking at schools, civic events, and bar association meetings. Her passion for mentorship and empowerment has left a lasting imprint on Maryland’s legal culture, influencing how judges view their roles not only as arbiters of law but as agents of positive change.

Honoring Judge Sheila Tillerson Adams During Black History Month

Judge Sheila Tillerson Adams leaves behind a legacy that stretches far beyond the courtroom. As a judicial pioneer, public servant, and community advocate, she helped redefine the role of judges in creating a more equitable legal system. Her accomplishments include not only numerous historic firsts, but a career of steady, meaningful service to the people of Prince George’s County and the state of Maryland.

Her leadership broke racial and gender barriers, inspired future generations, and advanced justice in both policy and practice. Judge Adams’ story reminds us that progress often begins with a single voice—and that sustained impact is forged through decades of dedication.

The Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter is proud to spotlight Judge Sheila Tillerson Adams as part of its Black History Month celebration. To learn more about Maryland legal trailblazers and join upcoming events honoring their contributions, visit the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter events page.