The Honorable Karen Wells Roby was appointed to serve as a United States magistrate judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana on Oct. 16, 1998, She took her oath of office on Feb. 22, 1999, and began her service as a federal magistrate judge.

As a United States magistrate judge, Roby conducts preliminary criminal proceedings, presides over civil jury and non-jury matters in the areas of Title VII, personal injury and §1983 matters upon the consent of the parties. She is also responsible for the review of social security cases and habeas corpus matters challenging the constitutionality of criminal tria1s conducted in the state courts. Roby serves as a mediator in cases pending before the District Court. She has successfully mediated cases in the area of Title VII, Jones Act, admiralty, personal injury, contractual disputes and limitations. Roby is active in community service. She, along with other members of the District Court, volunteers on a monthly basis to serve food at Ozanam Inn.

Roby recognizes the critica1 state of our public education system and devotes her time to assisting the education system in New Orleans. She serves as the first vice president of the Parent Teacher Organization of an area New Orleans Public School, Jean Gordon Elementary School. During the summer of 2000, Roby designed the school's Web site, www.jeangordon.com. She has served as co-chair of the Technology Committee and has been instrumental in securing 25 computers, scanners and printers for the school. In November 2000, she secured a spot for the school in the District's Technology Pilot Project and each of the school's third and fourth grade classes received six computers, digital cameras, scanners, printers and online access to allow teacher to incorporate the use of technology and the Internet in the classroom. Roby has also assisted the school by securing a volunteer computer technician and secured free technology training for the school's teachers at the University of New Orleans. In the spring of 2001 through the efforts of Roby, ergonomic computer tables and chairs were purchased for most of the classes at Jean Gordon. Roby has also been instrumental in creating and organizing the school's "Big Heart Reception" to recognize the many parents, grandparents, teachers and corporate volunteers of the school at a time when many public schools in New Orleans do not have active volunteer participation. Through her efforts more than 200 volunteers were recognized. Roby, while serving on the Louisiana State Bar Association's Young Lawyers Council, created a statewide public service project known as the One Billable Hour Project. Through this project, lawyers donate what they charge a client per hour to a charitable organization of their choice.

Roby serves as a tutor to African-American law students who have experienced difficulty passing the bar exam. She serves as a mentor for minority young lawyers and students regarding professional career choices and encourages them to volunteer in community activities. Roby participates in public speaking programs at local public schools. In Apri12001, Roby spoke at the swearing in ceremony of the Chief Executive Officer's Middle School Student Advisory Committee for the New Orleans Public Schools. She also participates in Tulane Law School's diversity orientation program and the LSBA sponsored professionalism program. Roby has also served on the board of the Girl Scouts of America.

Roby serves on the Nomination Committee for the United States Magistrate Judge's Association. Throughout her career Roby has served on various committees of the LSBA. She has served on the board of the Louisiana Bar Foundation and currently serves on the boards of the New Orleans Bar Association and the Louisiana Center for Law & Civic Education.

Roby is married to Clarence Roby Jr., an attorney and she is the mother of two children.