When Judge Ana Reyes was sworn in as the first Hispanic and first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, the legal world stood up and cheered. It was a massive moment. Historic. But as soon as the cameras stopped flashing and the legal journals finished their profiles on her career at Williams & Connolly, the internet did what the internet always does. People started digging. They wanted to know about the woman behind the robe. Specifically, they wanted to know about Judge Ana Reyes husband—or, more accurately, the reality of her family life.
There’s a funny thing about high-profile federal appointments. We expect these people to be open books, yet the very nature of their jobs requires a level of privacy that would make a CIA operative blush.
The Reality of Judge Ana Reyes' Family Life
Let’s get the facts straight right away because there is a lot of junk data floating around out there. If you’re searching for a "husband," you’re looking for someone who doesn’t exist. Judge Reyes is a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community. She is married to her long-time partner, Elizabeth "Liz" Cassady.
Honestly, the search for a "husband" usually stems from two things: old-school search habits or just a lack of updated information. Liz Cassady isn't just a "plus one" at award ceremonies; she’s a formidable professional in her own right. She has been a constant presence by Reyes’ side throughout a career that saw Reyes rise from a refugee who fled Uruguay as a child to one of the most respected litigators in D.C.
Think about that journey for a second. It’s wild.
Coming to the U.S. at age five, not speaking a word of English, and then eventually landing a seat on the D.C. District Court? That doesn't happen without a rock-solid support system at home. While the public focus is often on the judge's rulings or her background in international arbitration, those close to her know that her marriage to Liz is the bedrock of her life. They live in D.C. with their daughter, keeping a relatively low profile despite the high-stakes nature of Ana’s work.
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Why Privacy Matters in the Federal Judiciary
You’ve probably noticed that it’s actually pretty hard to find "paparazzi" shots of federal judges. There’s a reason for that. Safety.
When you’re a judge in the D.C. District Court, you aren't just deciding small-claims disputes. You’re handling cases that involve the biggest names in politics, international terrorists, and massive corporate fraud. After the tragic attack on Judge Esther Salas’s family in 2020, the federal government ramped up protections for judicial officers and their families. This is why you won't find a sprawling Instagram feed of Judge Ana Reyes' husband (again, wife) and their kid at brunch.
The "Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act" was literally designed to keep this kind of information—home addresses, spouse's employers, and private details—off the easily accessible web. So, if the details seem a bit sparse, it’s not because they’re hiding a scandal. It’s because being a judge in 2026 is inherently dangerous.
The Role of a Judicial Spouse
What does a spouse do when their partner is confirmed by the Senate? It’s a weird gig. Liz Cassady has had to navigate the transition from being the partner of a high-powered attorney to being the spouse of a federal judge.
- Conflict of Interest: They have to be incredibly careful about where they work and what cases they discuss.
- Public Scrutiny: Every donation, every social media post, and every public association is fair game for political opponents.
- The Schedule: Federal judges work grueling hours. The "9 to 5" does not exist in the D.C. District Court.
It’s a partnership of equals. You don't reach the level Ana Reyes has reached without someone at home who handles the chaos of daily life while you're sequestered in a high-security courtroom.
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Clearing Up the Misconceptions
People get confused. I get it. When someone is "the first" of anything, the public tries to fit them into traditional boxes. Because the term "Judge Ana Reyes husband" is a frequent search term, it shows there is still a gap between public perception and the reality of modern judicial families.
Reyes has been very open about her identity. During her confirmation process, she didn't shy away from who she is. She spoke about her family. She spoke about the importance of representation. For many in the legal community, her marriage to Liz is a symbol of how far the judiciary has come. It used to be that you had to hide your private life to get a lifetime appointment. Now? You can lead with it.
The Career That Led Her Here
Before she was Judge Reyes, she was a star at Williams & Connolly. She spent over 20 years there. Twenty years! That’s a lifetime in the "Big Law" world. She specialized in international disputes and represented foreign governments.
Imagine the dinner table conversations. Or, more likely, the lack of them. When you’re dealing with the kind of confidential international matters Reyes handled, "How was your day, honey?" usually ends with "I can't talk about it." That requires a specific kind of spouse—someone who understands the weight of confidentiality. Liz fits that bill.
Navigating the D.C. Social and Legal Circuit
Living in Washington, D.C. as a high-profile couple is a balancing act. You have to be "out" but not "exposed."
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Most people don't realize that the D.C. legal community is actually quite small. Everyone knows everyone. Judge Reyes and her wife are part of a network of legal professionals who value discretion above all else. They aren't seeking the limelight of "celebs," but they are influential in the "business" of law and the "news" of the capital.
The fact that they have managed to raise a daughter and maintain a stable, long-term relationship in the pressure cooker of the D.C. federal court system is, frankly, more impressive than any legal brief.
What You Should Take Away
If you came here looking for a name and a biography of a "husband," you found something different: a story about a modern American family.
- Identity matters: Judge Reyes is a pioneer for the LGBTQ+ community and her marriage is a part of that legacy.
- Privacy is intentional: The lack of "tabloid" info is a security feature, not a bug.
- Support is everything: Behind every federal judge is a spouse (like Liz Cassady) managing a complex private life so the judge can focus on the law.
The judiciary is changing. It's looking more like the rest of America. Whether it's the background of the judges or the structure of their families, the "traditional" mold is being broken every day. Judge Ana Reyes is a prime example of that shift.
Next Steps for Following Judicial News
If you are interested in the ongoing work of Judge Reyes or the security of federal judges, you should follow the updates from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. They provide the most accurate data on judicial appointments and the implementation of security acts. Also, keeping an eye on the "D.C. Circuit" news feeds will give you a better idea of the actual cases she is presiding over, which is where her true public impact lies.
Avoid the gossip sites. They usually get the names wrong anyway. Focus on the rulings, because in the end, that’s what a judge wants to be remembered for—not who they go home to at night, but how they treated the law during the day.