Hon. Barbara R. Johnson-Lee ’86

Segment Synopsis: In this oral history interview, Judge Johnson Lee reflects on her life, from her early years in Kingston, Jamaica, to her legal career in the United States. Born one of nine children to Lucius and Gladys Johnson, she recounts her mother’s decision to migrate to the U.S. in search of better opportunities for her children, leaving her husband behind in Jamaica. While her father dreamed of moving to Africa, both parents worked at the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica, where her mother developed a key friendship that enabled her to immigrate.

Johnson Lee arrived in the Bronx as part of the second group of siblings her mother sponsored. She attended junior high there before moving to White Plains, NY, for high school. In 1977, a counselor encouraged her to attend Canisius College in Buffalo, which she describes as a nurturing and formative experience. Financial constraints later led her to transfer to the University at Buffalo (UB), where she completed her undergraduate degree and was first exposed to a law school environment.

Her decision to pursue law was shaped by early exposure to a prominent Manhattan attorney for whom her mother worked. Fascinated by his law books, professional lifestyle, and occasional mentorship, she developed a lasting interest in the legal field. Childhood debates with eight siblings and a fondness for the TV show Perry Mason further fueled her ambition. She went directly from UB to law school, seeing no other career path for herself. This early foundation set the stage for her distinguished career in the legal profession.

Keywords: Choosing UB Law School; Father; Siblings; Undergraduate Education; Mother

Subjects: EDUCATION; FAMILY HISTORY

Segment Synopsis: Judge Johnson Lee describes her deep connection to the University at Buffalo School of Law, saying she feels the school “chose” her. Her first exposure came as an undergraduate, studying in UB’s law library and interacting with students and professors. Though she applied to multiple law schools, UB was her top choice, and receiving her acceptance felt like a dream fulfilled. She never visited any other school, making UB her sole in-person law school experience.

Raised in a loving but financially modest home, Johnson Lee credits her mother for instilling strong work ethic, discipline, compassion, and empathy—qualities that guided her success in law and life. She recalls feeling “rich” in love and guidance despite limited means.

Her years at UB Law were marked by joy and appreciation, even during personal challenges. While enrolled, she faced medical issues and gave birth to her first child, sometimes bringing him to class. She credits the faculty, staff, and peers for their exceptional support, which helped her persevere.

Looking back, she wishes she had been able to engage more in networking and community involvement—opportunities she sees as valuable for law students’ professional growth. Current UB students, she notes, benefit from intentional mentorship, social events, and legal community connections that can lead to early job offers. Though her own circumstances limited her participation, she has no regrets, viewing her path as uniquely her own and deeply grateful for her time at UB.

Keywords: Experience as Student; Family; Internships; Legal Community; Mentors; Student Culture; Choosing UB Law School

Subjects: EDUCATION; UB LAW AS STUDENT; FAMILY HISTORY

Segment Synopsis: Judge Johnson Lee credits the University at Buffalo School of Law with providing the foundation for her legal career. UB honed her skills in legal writing, reading, critical thinking, and analysis, giving her the confidence to open her own law office immediately after passing the bar—a practice she ran for over 16 years.

Her career path began with a pivotal second-year real property course that led her to attorney Franklin Pratcher, who mentored her and provided hands-on experience in real estate and a broad range of legal areas. This early exposure to matrimonial, civil, criminal, estate, and other cases equipped her for diverse practice. She later served as a hearing officer in Buffalo City Court, worked with the Volunteer Lawyers Project providing pro bono services, and spent over seven years as a staff attorney in Legal Aid’s criminal defense unit.

Becoming a judge was always an aspiration, but family responsibilities—including raising young children without extended family in Buffalo and caring for her ailing mother—delayed her pursuit. In 2014, feeling the timing was finally right, she successfully ran for a seat on the Buffalo City Court bench.

Her judicial assignments have included domestic violence court, general civil and criminal rotations, and currently, presiding over the treatment courts—veterans, mental health, and drug court—as well as the Judicial Diversion Program (JDP). She views her wide-ranging legal background as invaluable to her role on the bench, allowing her to navigate varied cases with insight and empathy.

Keywords: Elections; Judiciary; Legal Aid; Pro Bono; Practice

Subjects: PERSONAL ISSUES; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; CAREER: LEGAL

Segment Synopsis: For Judge Johnson Lee, the most rewarding aspect of her role on the Buffalo City Court bench is the opportunity to make a meaningful, positive impact—not only on the individuals before her but on their families and the broader community. She approaches each case with the aim of improving lives and strengthening society.

To attorneys appearing before her or any judge, she emphasizes preparation, deep knowledge of the case, effective client communication, professionalism, and unwavering integrity. She praises Buffalo’s high level of civility among legal professionals and urges respect for both opposing counsel and court staff.

Judge Lee considers becoming a judge her greatest professional achievement, though she treasures her years as an attorney. She loves the law for its pursuit of truth, justice, fairness, and equity, and views the legal profession as central to community life.

A committed mentor, she draws on her own experience as a first-generation college and law student who entered law school with little exposure to the legal field. She values today’s intentional mentorship programs, crediting them with helping new graduates excel and secure employment early. Her advice to mentees mirrors that to practicing attorneys: study to truly learn and retain the law, explore diverse legal fields before specializing, maintain integrity, and build a strong professional reputation from the start.

Keywords: Accomplishments; Choice of Law; Judiciary; Legal Community; Mentors; Value of Education; Greatest Achievement

Subjects: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; CAREER: LEGAL

Segment Synopsis: Judge Johnson Lee never pressured her children toward law, instead encouraging them to explore a range of careers—including medicine—while keeping the legal path open. Only one, her daughter Jamila Lee, chose law, becoming Vice Dean of Student Affairs at UB Law. Judge Lee has stayed active with the law school through alumni board service, event participation, and mentoring students, keeping her door open for those seeking guidance.

For aspiring judges, she advises seeking mentorship from experienced judges and understanding the demands of both elected and appointed positions. Reflecting on her own 2014 campaign for a newly created seat, she recalls the challenges of running while underprepared but credits hard work, community support, and her daughter’s role as campaign manager for her success.

Judge Lee says she would choose law all over again, valuing the profession’s ability to help others and make a difference. She treasures moments from her legal career—such as consoling a frail senior through bankruptcy with the Volunteer Lawyers Project—and finds similar fulfillment today in her treatment court work. For her, law remains not just a career, but a calling.

Keywords: Appointments; Career / Professional Experience; Choice of Law; Community Service; Elections; Judiciary; Pro Bono; Relationship with UB Law; Satisfaction; Children / Grandchildren

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; FAMILY HISTORY