As a child in Franklin, Va., Esther Wiggins was taught to always give back to the community. Even today, as a judge in Northern Virginia, she stills sees her most important duty as community service.

"When I was growing up, my grandmother taught us that we had a responsibility to our community," said Wiggins, who received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Old Dominion in 1983. "And being a lawyer and a judge are also acts of community service."

Wiggins became the first African-American prosecutor in Arlington, Va., following her 1986 graduation with honors from Howard University's law school. During her 12 years in the Commonwealth's Attorney office, she prosecuted every type of case, from speeding to capital murder, with a high conviction rate.

"Being a prosecutor is a good job to have because all you have to do is what you believe is right," she said.

Working closely with victims and community members, Wiggins also served as a role model to minorities and others. Following her first trial, members of the jury sought her to applaud her performance and encourage her to continue as a prosecutor. "They were so happy to see someone who looked like them," she said.

"It's important for me to always do a good job. It's positive for young people of all races to see a minority doing well and competently holding a position in the justice system. My role gives young minorities confidence and hope that they can achieve as well."

Last year, Wiggins was appointed interim judge to the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court to fill a vacancy and, in January, the Virginia General Assembly appointed her to a six-year term - making her the youngest judge in Arlington and one of the youngest in the state.

In her new role, she presides over trials with juvenile defendants, criminal cases involving children and domestic cases such as custody and child support issues. The position gives her a new perspective on one of her passions - mentoring teenage girls - and the ability to make a greater impact on those that need it most.

"Seeing the cases that I do tells me that clearly a lot of young girls need help," said Wiggins, who added that one of the biggest problems she sees is teenage pregnancy. "Mentoring can help these girls see that they don't need a baby to be loved."

Wiggins regularly visits a group home where the court sends youths who appear before her. "I make a point of going every few months to talk with these kids. And that impresses them because they can't believe someone cares enough to check on them. We talk about their grades, their progress, their problems and what's going on in their lives."

Wiggins, who has been a member of Arlington Parenting Teen Program and spoken to students about the criminal justice system, was presented a Person of Vision Award in 1997 by the Arlington County Commission on the Status of Women.

In addition to her community service, Wiggins is active in the legal community. She has served as secretary and treasurer of the Arlington County Bar and was chair of the Criminal Law Seminar from 1994-96.

- Jennifer Mullen