Audrey B. Collins J.D. ’77

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Audrey Collins’ appointment to the federal bench is but the most recent of numerous outstanding career accomplishments. As the third-highest ranking prosecutor in the Los Angeles district attorney’s office prior to her appointment, Collins had supervisory responsibility for the bureaus of management and budget, family support operations and crime prevention resources.

Rising through the ranks, Collins was a line prosecutor, supervised the criminal law divisions and headed the district attorney’s Torrance office. She was the first African American to achieve head deputy supervisory status in the district attorney’s office. She was also the first person of color to serve as president of the Association of Deputy District Attorneys.

Collins has gained the respect and admiration of the bar for her strong knowledge of the law and her even-handed supervision of the judicial process. Her strong commitment to justice and equality makes her an excellent trial judge. This commitment manifests itself outside the courtroom – she continues to be extremely involved in a variety of community and professional activities. These include serving on the Los Angeles County Bar’s executive committee, lifetime membership in Women Lawyers of Los Angeles and the National Bar Association and frequent participation in continuing legal education programs. She has also been a member of the Committee of Bar Examiners, trustee of the Los Angeles County and Langston Bar associations, chair of the executive committee of the California State Bar’s criminal law section and chair of the Los Angeles County Bar’s criminal justice section.

Collins has been honored by the National Black Prosecutors Association (Distinguished Service Award), Langston Bar Association (Lawyer of the Year) and Howard University (Woman of the Year). Collins’ role on the Webster Commission’s study of the Los Angeles Police Department was pivotal, given her positions in the district attorney’s office and the community. She handled her assignment with commitment, objectivity and care. Her work evidenced her wisdom, experience and love of this city. Audrey Collins personifies the highest integrity and dedication to which each UCLA student should aspire.