Born in Detroit, Michigan, Judge Lloyd is a product of the Detroit Public Schools system and taught at Cass Technical High School in 1971.  She received both her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Jurist Doctorate Law Degree from Wayne State University.  She was elected to the 36^th District Court on November 3, 1992 and became a Drug Court Judge in 2002.

Before becoming a judge, Leonia was a partner in the law firm of "Lloyd and Lloyd,” specializing in Entertainment and Civil law. Judge Lloyd and her late sister, the Hon. Leona L. Lloyd, were the country's first twin judges to sit on the bench at the same time. They were affectionately dubbed "Twins for Justice.”  In compliance with her commitment to the community, Judge Lloyd has endowed a scholarship foundation in memory of her late sister that assists students pursuing a Law degree.

Because of her compassion and concern for others and through her ingenuity she collaborated with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, the Detroit Police Department and the Detroit Health Department, and initiated “Project Fresh Start.”  This is a program designed to help women/men who practice the commercial sex trade, remain drug free, while working diligently to restore their self-respect, acquire permanent housing, higher education and employment, in an effort to help them become productive citizens in the community.  Judge Lloyd has focused her efforts on getting rid of the prostitution problem plaguing the citizens of Detroit.  

Judge Leonia J. Lloyd participated in the development of the 36^th District Court’s “Handgun Intervention Program,” which is designed to help rid the streets of illegal hand guns, as well as, educate the citizens on illegal hand gun activity.  She was instrumental in the establishment of the “Misdemeanor Morality Program,” designed to educate participants about inappropriate conduct regarding sexual activity.  Judge Lloyd participated in the institution of the “Dose of Reality Tour,” showing offenders the consequences of their behavior, and the need to alter their behavior to avoid incarceration. 

She has the support of the citizens because she cares enough to offer a “hand up” and a “way out” for “women/men of the night” who are homeless, drug addicted, and some, who may suffer from psychological illnesses.  Throughout her career, her professional development has been publicized in periodicals such as People’s Magazine, Jet, Ebony and Women’s World (to mention a few). Judge Lloyd sits on the boards of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, Michigan Association of Drug Court Professionals, as well as the Board of Alternatives for Girls.  

Judge Lloyd has been honored with the 2009 Champion of Justice Award, by the State Bar of Michigan; the Lamplighter of the Year Award, (2007); Sojourner Truth Award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, (2008); Mark of Excellence Award (2009), from Alabama A & M University; a Resolution (2009) from Commissioner Jewel Ware; Certificate of Recognition (2009) from Mayor Kenneth Cockrel, Jr.; Distinguished Service Award, (2009) from Detroit City Council; Certificate of Recognition (2009) from Wayne County Executive, Robert  Ficano; Certificate of Tribute  (2009) from Governor Jennifer Granholm and the Making  a Difference For Woman Award (2009) from the Soroptomist Club of Grosse Pointe.   She and her Drug Court Team have received Appreciation Awards from the Michigan Association of Drug Court Professionals for three consecutive years, in addition to the Recognition Award (2006-2007) by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, as the “Second Best Drug Court in the Nation.”  She is also a recent recipient of the Women of Wayne Headliner’s Award; an Appreciation Award from New Life Home; the 2006 Allen Bray Dedication Award, from the Detroit Recovery Project; the Wayne County Commissioner’s Recognition Award; the Ray of Hope Award from Guiding Light Sober Living; and the Spirit of Detroit Award (2006 and twice in 2008).  You will find Judge Lloyd listed in Who’s Who in Black America, Black Judges in America and Who’s Who in Black Detroit.  

Judge Lloyd’s Drug Court Team received the coveted and rarely offered, Transformation Award from the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (2009).  Her program has been featured on the National Geographic Channel (2008), which is still being aired today and the Arts and Entertainment Channel (2008).  She speaks on numerous radio shows. 

Judge Lloyd’s passion and inspiration continues to be to help those who cannot help themselves. Her creativity in establishing programs for the citizens of Detroit is the number one reason why her drug court program is being studied around the world for possible implementation.  Professionals around the world are impressed with Judge Lloyd’s tenacity and dedication to the movement, which inspires us all to excel.