Judge Victoria Pratt Speaker Biography
Judge, Lawyer, Professor, and Renowned Criminal Justice Reform Advocate
Judge Victoria Pratt is a driven and innovative speaker Judge Victoria Pratt, gaining national and international recognition. Her commitment lies in reforming the criminal justice system. During her time as Chief Judge in Newark Municipal Court, New Jersey, she gained deep insight. She understood how to deliver justice respectfully. This approach increased trust in the legal system. It also positively changed behavior.
Procedural Justice
While presiding over Newark Community Solutions, Judge Victoria Pratt pioneered procedural justice. This community court program offered alternatives to jail for low-level offenders. These alternatives included community service. Individual and group counseling were also used. Her signature assignment involved introspective essays. As a speaker Judge Victoria Pratt, she is known for this innovative approach. Her respectful demeanor treated individuals with dignity. Consequently, court participants had a more positive experience. The community’s view of the court improved. Court players also viewed their roles differently.
TED Talk
Her TED Talk, How Judges Can Show Respect, became a viral sensation. It has been translated into eleven languages. The talk received over one million views. Moreover, the Facebook clip garnered an astounding twenty-one million views. This powerful message resonates widely. Therefore, as a speaker Judge Victoria Pratt, her insights on respect are highly sought after. The TED Talk’s success amplified her message globally.
Criminal Justice Reform
A fierce advocate for reform, speaker Judge Victoria Pratt has collaborated with jurisdictions nationwide. Her work has extended to Ukraine and England. She has also worked in Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexico. In these roles, she leads workshops and presentations. The topics include alternative sentencing for juveniles and adults. Procedural justice is another key area of her expertise. Her dedication to reform is evident. Consequently, she is a leading voice in criminal justice.
Media
As a nationally recognized expert, speaker Judge Victoria Pratt is often invited by professional organizations. They seek her story and philosophy on procedural justice. Her work has been highlighted in The Guardian newspaper. Tina Rosenberg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, featured her in “The Simple Idea that Could Transform U.S. Criminal Justice.” Rosenberg also wrote about her in Rutgers Magazine, titled “Asking for a Little Respect.” These articles underscore her expertise. Therefore, her insights are valuable to a broad audience.
Book
Her new book, The Power of Dignity: How Transforming Justice Can Heal Our Communities, offers a powerful vision. It shows how to transform courtrooms and neighborhoods. It also addresses healing rifts in our nation. The book emphasizes supporting the vulnerable. As a speaker Judge Victoria Pratt, she draws upon the themes explored in her book. It provides a roadmap for creating more just communities.
Television
Speaker Judge Victoria Pratt has also appeared on various television programs. These include MSNBC’s Melissa Harris Perry Show. She was also featured on the Emmy-award-winning PBS show, Due Process- Community Court: A Kinder, Gentler Way? Additionally, she appeared on National Public Radio’s WBGO: Conversations with Allan Wolper. These appearances have further broadened her reach. Consequently, her message of reform reaches diverse audiences.
Rutgers Law School
Currently, speaker Judge Victoria Pratt is a Professor at Rutgers Law School in Newark, New Jersey. She teaches Problem Solving Justice and Restorative Justice. Moreover, she continues to champion criminal justice reform. She does this through her consulting firm, Pratt Lucien Consultants, LLC. She shares her skills and approach with others. Additionally, she speaks to leaders of institutions and organizations. Her focus is on heightening and restoring respect in daily operations. This aims to improve mission achievement.
Empowerment
Speaker Judge Victoria Pratt is licensed to practice law in New Jersey and New York. She is also admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. Furthermore, she facilitates Mountain Movers empowerment sessions. These sessions help individuals live their best lives. Her diverse experiences and qualifications make her a compelling voice for positive change. Consequently, her message resonates with a wide range of individuals and organizations.
Judge Victoria Pratt Speaking Topics
Why What We Do Matters
How can we ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect in the halls of justice around the world? During this talk, a pioneering judge in New Jersey, Victoria Pratt shares the principles of "procedural justice" -- four simple, thoughtful steps that redefined the everyday business of her courtroom in Newark, changing lives along the way. She takes her audience on a journey of changing the hearts and minds of those who work in and encounter the justice system. "When the court behaves differently, naturally people respond differently," Pratt says. "We want people to enter our halls of justice and know that justice will be served there." As a workshop, Judge Pratt will provide an overview and practical application of the principles of procedural justice assisting judges and criminal justice professionals develop new techniques to improve communication and ensure greater trust for the justice system.
The Power of Respect
The idea of respect for people, institutions, and rules has slowly withered in our society. Those most affected by this raise their voice to demand greater appreciation for their humanity. How can business and organizational leaders establish, restore, or heighten respect in its day-to-day operations, so that its mission can be better achieved? In this talk or workshop, Judge Victoria Pratt helps you understand The Power of Respect and incorporate respect into your core values and daily practices.
Becoming Unstoppable
In this speech, Judge Pratt gives her audience fundamental principles to apply in the quest to achieve their best lives. By sharing personal stories, tips for focusing on goals, and strategies for overcoming obstacles, her audiences leave feeling unstoppable in the pursuit of their goals and dreams.
Judge Victoria Pratt Books

The Power of Dignity: How Transforming Justice Can Heal Our Communities
Purchase BookJudge Victoria Pratt Videos
Judge Victoria Pratt Articles
Judge Victoria Pratt Speaker Testimonials
“An idea to transform criminal justice: caring. Hope all courts can learn from this brilliant judge.”
- | SIR RICHARD BRANSON, FOUNDER OF VIRGIN
“A warrior of procedural justice.”
- | JUDGE FERN FISHER
“Victoria Pratt is one of a kind. In her work on the bench, she helped transform the face of justice in Newark, New Jersey. She is a powerful speaker who always leaves her audiences wanting more.”
- | GREG BERMAN, DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR COURT INNOVATION