CONNECT . MOTIVATE . INSPIRE .
vacant once again. Judge Brown called Edmondson-Cooper stating, “Let’s talk about your plans,” and gave the best advice for the interview. “Just be yourself. If it’s your season, then it’s your season.” With that in mind, Judge Edmondson- Cooper brought to full display her experiences as an attorney, advocate, community servant, leader, parent, daughter, caregiver, and spouse to earn the position as Magistrate Court Judge. She was sworn in about a week after Judge Brown. Both of these exceptional HBCU- educated jurists have worked tirelessly to ensure that all people receive fair treatment, are heard, and that the administration of justice under their watch is equitable. And they both credit and cherish their beloved alma maters for making it clear that it all starts with service. Judge Edmondson-Cooper said it best: “There’s no ego in my service. It’s not about me, it’s about the people.”
did not want to go into a big law firm, she wanted to go into public service. Some people did not see the value in such a goal. “People said, ‘It’s such a shame you don’t want to go to a firm.’I said, ‘Why is it a shame? Why would I not want to use the talents you believe I have to serve others, more in a public service capacity?’” And serve she did, working in Legal Aid for seven years, and as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Labor litigating employment matters. This was in addition to her service on various boards and community organizations, including GABWA where she would later meet Judge Sonja N. Brown. However, the road was not as smooth as it appeared. “I didn’t pass the bar the first time, and I wondered if I would ever be able to do it. I was crushed and experienced depression.” But with faith and a supportive family, Judge Edmondson-Cooper took the bar again
and passed! “I learned never to accept no, it just means ‘not yet.’. It’s difficult in the moment, it doesn’t feel good, but God doesn’t make mistakes.” Judge Edmondson-Cooper continued to work and serve, and when Judge Kellie Hill was elected to the Superior Court in 2020, she interviewed for her now-vacant seat - during the same round as then-Attorney Sonja N. Brown. Although disappointed that she did not prevail this time, Edmondson- Cooper remembered what she learned when she did not pass the bar the first time: 'no means not yet.'And she was genuinely happy for Judge Brown because, in that she knew she was qualified, prepared, and would be an exceptional jurist. When Edmondson- Cooper reached out to congratulate Judge Brown, she responded, “We will have an opportunity to work together.” Fast forward two years, and the opportunity came in the form of Judge Brown’s election to the Superior Court, leaving the Magistrate Court position
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