Judge Mablean Ephriam

Mablean Ephriam was born on April 23, 1949, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, and later relocated to Los Angeles, California, at the age of six. Her career in law began in the Women’s Division of the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a corrections officer. She pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pitzer College on a four-year academic scholarship. Subsequently, she attended Whittier College School of Law during the evenings, where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree in 1978. Following her admission to the California Bar, Ephriam served as a deputy city attorney in Los Angeles for five years, during which she co-founded the Domestic Violence Prosecution Unit, an initiative focused on addressing and prosecuting domestic violence cases. In 1982, she established her own law practice, concentrating on personal injury and family law matters, and co-founded the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law, a legal resource center providing assistance to women dealing with domestic violence.

Ephriam transitioned into television in 1999, becoming the presiding judge for the revived courtroom series “Divorce Court.” She held this role for seven seasons, from 1999 to 2006, making her the first African American and female judge to lead the series. Her tenure was characterized by a direct approach, humor, and her catchphrase, “Look deep before you leap.” After departing from “Divorce Court,” Ephriam continued her presence in entertainment, appearing as a judge in Tyler Perry’s “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” (2005), “Madea’s Family Reunion” (2006), and “Madea Goes to Jail” (2009). Her acting roles often depicted her as a strict yet understanding judicial figure. In 2014, she returned to television with a new court series, “Justice with Judge Mablean,” produced by Entertainment Studios, which aired on the Justice Central cable channel and in syndication. The show was renewed for additional seasons, extending through its thirteenth season by 2025.

Throughout her career, Judge Ephriam has been recognized for her contributions to the legal community and her advocacy. She served as president of the Black Women Lawyers group in Los Angeles and was a member of the Executive Committee of both the Los Angeles County Bar and State Bar of California Family Law Sections. Her commitment to community service was further evidenced by her annual Father’s Day event, “The H.U.F. Awards,” which honors fathers and provides scholarships. She also participated in the first season of “Celebrity Fit Club” (2005), where she achieved a notable weight loss. Judge Ephriam’s career reflects a sustained commitment to law, justice, and public engagement.