Rooted in a lifelong pursuit of justice, the legal career of Mattielyn B. Williams has left a lasting imprint on Tennessee’s judicial and educational systems. As Administrative Judge for the Tennessee Department of State, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African American appointed to that role. Judge Williams served in this capacity from 1996 until her retirement in 2022. During her judicial career, she presided over complex cases as well as everyday matters of employment and health care.
Judge Williams brings a strong academic foundation to her work, beginning with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Yale University. At Yale, she distinguished herself through active participation in campus ministries and was honored with the Hatch Prize, recognizing her academic achievement and commitment to serving others. She later earned a Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University Law School, where she initially enrolled in a dual-degree program that also included a Master of Divinity. Although she ultimately chose to focus solely on the law, her studies were guided by a strong sense of purpose and a desire to use her legal skills to advance the public good.
Before ascending to the bench, Judge Williams was director of legal and educational services for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. In this position, she played a central role in developing and implementing desegregation across the state. Her work helped ensure institutional compliance with legal standards and broadened access to higher education opportunities. She was known for her strategic thinking and ability to bridge the gap between policy and practice, leaving a lasting imprint on Tennessee’s higher education system.
Earlier in her career, Judge Williams gained valuable administrative experience as assistant director of residential and judicial affairs at Vanderbilt University. In that role, she was involved in student conduct matters and managed part of residential life programming, honing her skills in conflict resolution and procedural fairness. This experience became part of the foundation for her later work in law and policy.
Judge Williams is licensed to practice law in Tennessee and served as a Rule 31-listed mediator during her judgeship. Now retired, she maintains active membership in several professional organizations, including the American Bar Association, National Bar Association, Nashville Bar Association, Lawyers’ Association for Women, and Napier-Looby Bar Association. These affiliations reflect her ongoing engagement with the legal profession and her commitment to staying informed about emerging issues in law and public policy.
Judge Williams’ dedication extends well beyond the courtroom. Throughout her life, she has remained deeply involved in community service, working with organizations such as the United Way Performance Evaluation Team, Leadership Nashville, and Black Methodists for Church Renewal. In college, she also volunteered as a counselor for the New Haven Shelter for Battered Women and used her experiences there as part of the basis for her senior paper. Moreover, Judge Williams supported diabetes awareness efforts through the Lions Club and the American Diabetes Association on both district and statewide levels.
In her personal time, Judge Williams enjoys fishing and attending theatrical performances—activities that reflect her appreciation for nature and the arts. Looking ahead, she continues to focus on advancing educational access and equity, particularly for underserved communities, through the Nashville NAACP Executive Committee and serving as an active member of Nashville Organized for Action and Hope (NOAH).