Civil Court, Countywide #4 | Inga O’Neale
Civil Court, 2nd District | Marva Brown
Civil Court, Countywide #4 | Casilda Elena Roper-Simpson
Civil Court, 2nd District | Lisa Lewis
Civil Court, Countywide #6 | Heela Doreen Capell
Civil Court, 2nd District | Lola Waterman
Level
Civil Court Judge, Countywide #4
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What is your current position/law practice? If you are presently a judge, what did you do prior to becoming a judge?
I am currently a Principal Law Clerk to a Supreme Court Justice at the Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term.
Why are you qualified to be a judge?
My career has afforded me the unique opportunity to become intimately familiar with the inner workings of the New York State court system. After graduating from law school, I worked as a clerical assistant at the Law Guardian Program for the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department. I became fully immersed in family law issues and digested recent decisions of family law issues for compilation in a journal for use by 18-B Panel attorneys. This helped enhance my knowledge of family law that I gleaned as a student advocate Law Guardian and as a participant in a study-abroad program at a family law solicitor’s office in London while in law school.
I then transitioned my legal research and writing skills from family law to civil law as an employee of the Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term. Having worked there in different capacities in various parts, over the last eighteen years, has also allowed me to further develop the skills desired in a jurist. Even more so, working closely alongside three different judges, and a judicial hearing officer, has allowed me to observe first-hand each of their own styles of making judicial determinations and handling legal matters.
As a court attorney in the Law Department of the Kings County Supreme Court, I conducted legal research and drafted judicial decisions on a variety of areas of civil law ranging from Article 78 review of administrative law determinations, Section 1983 claims, breach of contract claims to personal injury matters. This helped me hone my legal research and writing skills and to become well versed in complex procedural and substantive issues in civil law. I also conducted discovery conferences in the Preliminary Conference Part and Central Compliance Part and assisted in drafting short form orders in the Jury Coordinating Part. This experience allowed me substantial and frequent contact with attorneys and unrepresented litigants appearing before the court. I further developed my conferencing skills when I assisted Hon. Nicholas Coffinas (dec.), then a Judicial Hearing Officer, in the settlement of actions against the City of New York and the New York City Transit Authority, as well as civil cases pending in the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department’s Civil Appeals Management Program (CAMP). My responsibilities in conducting settlement conferences and resolving discovery disputes required me to listen to the adverse positions of the parties while getting them to come to a common meeting ground. This is a skill that will assist me in negotiating settlements between parties.
From 2008-2010, I was a Principal Law Clerk to Hon. Randolph Jackson (ret.) in a Medical Malpractice Part which allowed me to learn about a niche and complex area of the law. In my position as a Principal Law Clerk to Hon. Larry D. Martin in an Individual Assignment System (IAS) Part, I was responsible for supervising an Assistant Law Clerk, managing a heavy motion calendar on motion days, conducting conferences and drafting judicial decisions, preparing jury charges and verdict sheets and conducting research to immediately address evidentiary and substantive issues raised during trials. In my current position as a Principal Law Clerk to Hon. Donald Scott Kurtz, I have been in the courtroom on a daily courtroom on a daily basis conferencing cases and managing a motion calendar in the busy Jury Coordinating and City Trial Readiness parts prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. I also conferenced cases in the Judicial Hearing Officer /Special Referee Part prior to the pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, however, we have continued working virtually ensuring that cases are conferenced and motions are decided in the Jury Coordinating and City Trial Readiness Parts. I also conference cases pending in the Non-Jury Trial Readiness Part. Throughout my career, I have participated in hundreds of trials and handled thousands of cases. In 2016, I was In 2017, I was recognized with the Employee of the Year Award for Chambers Staff. I believe that my experience would allow me to effectively and efficiently address any caseload that could be assigned to me as a jurist as we emerge from the pandemic.
As a volunteer arbitrator in the Kings County Small Claims Court, I am tasked with the responsibility of arbitrating and settling small claims cases including administering oaths, taking testimony and rendering binding decisions. Many of the parties who appear in the Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term, are represented by counsel, whereas many of the litigants who appear in the Small Claims Court are self-represented. As such, I am familiar with handling and addressing the concerns of both attorneys and self-represented litigants and treat each with the same respect and courtesy.
My experience and involvement in various professional bar and community organizations has made me cognizant of and sensitive to the issues that affect different groups of the community. I am a Board Member of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association and a co-chair of the Judiciary Training Academy, which is committed to ensuring the benefits of a diverse bench is realized. I am also a member of the NYC Bar Association’s Minorities in the Courts Committee which is dedicated to highlighting the experience of attorneys, court staff and litigants in New York courts. As the Vice President of the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club, we have participated in food pop-up distributions and care package donations to displaced and non-displaced members of the community throughout the pandemic which has disproportionately affected members of minority groups.
While I am aware of the considerable independence associated with the role as a jurist in comparison to the other positions I have held as a court employee (namely Court Attorney and Principal Law Clerk), I also understand the importance of working in conjunction with and coordinating with other employees in different titles within the court system in order to complete assigned tasks. In performing my duties and responsibilities, I am mindful of how my actions and determinations may affect another department or Part within the courthouse.
As an experienced attorney having worked over eighteen years in the court system, I have undertaken all of my positions held, whether as a family law clerical assistant or civil attorney, with dedication, diligence and increased responsibility. While conducting conferences as Court Attorney and Principal Law Clerk, and also when hearing small claims cases as a volunteer arbitrator, I have always given the same amount of attention to detail to each case. In all instances, I have applied the relevant law to the facts presented to the court. Most importantly, I have been fair and impartial in all of my determinations and exhibited a calm temperament in carrying out my duties. I believe that my well-rounded and varied experience, as well as my calm temperament make me well qualified and prepared for a career on the bench.
Please list your current endorsements and judicial screening results.
My current endorsements are from the Independent Neighborhood Democrats, Kings County Democratic Party, District Leader Hon. Henry Butler, District Leader Hon. Brad Reid, District Leader Hon. Lori Knipel, District Leader Hon. Eric Dilan, Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymember Jaime Williams, former Assemblymember Felix Ortiz. I have been found qualified by the Kings County Democratic Party Judicial Screening Committee in 2018 and 2019. I have a waiver through 2022. Also endorsed by District Leader Hon. Josue Pierre, District Leader Hon. Frank Seddio, District Leader Hon. Sue Ann Partnow, Council Member Robert Cornegy., District Leader/Kings County Democratic Leader Hon. Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.
What interventions and resources are required to ensure that all judges and court personnel competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community? What steps will you take to secure the necessary resources to implement the interventions
The interventions and resources required to ensure that all judges and court personnel competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community include, but are not limited to, sensitivity and inclusivity trainings to ensure that the judiciary and court staff are educated and made aware of the concerns of the LGBTQ community. I will ensure that any reports to me or my personal observations of discrimination or bias (including jokes or insensitive comments) are promptly addressed and, if necessary, referred to the appropriate department. When giving jury instructions, I would include bias and prejudice related to sexual orientation and gender identity as matters that should not play a role in a jury’s determination. When deciding motions in limine, I would be mindful not to allow the introduction of evidence related to an individual’s sexual orientation if not relevant to any issues in the case so as to prevent any prejudice or bias.
How will you commit to ensuring that preferred pronouns and gender identity are respected in your courtroom and on documents prepared by litigators and the court?
I will commit to ensuring that preferred pronouns and gender identity are respected in my courtroom and on documents prepared by litigators and the court by addressing individuals, who request it, with their preferred pronouns and also requiring court staff and other litigators do the same.
Will you commit to appearing before the LGBT Bar Association (“LeGal”) judicial screening panel? Do you understand that this club may rescind your endorsement for failure to appear or receiving a non-qualified rating from the association?
I will commit to appearing before the LGBT Bar Association judicial screening panel. I understand the club may rescind my endorsement for failure to appear or receiving a non-qualified rating from the association.
Level
Civil Court Judge, Countywide #4
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What is your current position/law practice? If you are presently a judge, what did you do prior to becoming a judge?
I am presently an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)/Hearing Officer, I preside at informal proceedings at a Governmental Agency, New York State Office of Temporary and Assistance Disability. As an Administrative Law Judge/Hearing Officer I am tasked with conducting hearings relating to social service issues including but not limited to public assistance, Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP) shelter allowance and assistance with rental arrears to prevent eviction.
I am also an Adjunct Professor at Molloy College since 2009 to present, I have taught undergraduate and graduate classes – including, but not limited to, Tort Law, Family Law, Foundation to Criminal Justice, Senior Seminar (a required class to graduate for graduation), civil liability in criminal justice, master thesis seminar,critical issues in criminal justice, national security and bill of rights.
In, June 2015, My Chairperson, Dr. Eterno asked me to be a contributing author to the “Detective Handbook” Chapter 17 “Detectives and The Criminal Investigation Process.”
Why are you qualified to be a judge?
When elected for Civil Court, Judges are often assigned to Criminal, Family or Civil Court. My varied experiences have prepared me to be assigned to either court. I am a former Senior Staff Attorney for the NYS Division of Human Rights in the
Prosecution Housing Litigation Unit. I commenced my legal career in private practice more than 25 years ago. I was a former attorney on the Assigned Counsel Misdemeanor Panel Kings County since 1998 handling criminal matters for the indigent. I am a former managing attorney for a foster care agency, handling neglect/abuse, TPR, adoption and other matters. I was an in-house attorney handling civil matters for clients such as Brooklyn Union Gas and Insurance Companies. I have conducted more than 30 bench and jury trials, some of which have been noted in “Verdict Search New York.” I also volunteered as an Arbitrator with the New York State Office of Court Administration, Queens County since 2009.
During my present position as an Administrative Law Judge, I conduct all hearings with impartiality, the required temperament and respect. I have acquired the necessary skills to listen to all litigants and maintain the necessary decorum throughout the hearing. My teaching experience allows me to simplify (layman terms) complex theories to pro se litigants as I do now in my present capacity as an ALJ.
My commitment and dedication to my community has provided me with the perspective to grasp the effect that the courts have on the lives of the people.
Among the many community services that I do, I provide pro-bono services to Life Camp Inc. and Reign4Life. Both organizations work with young people of the community to address gun and gang violence. I also enjoy mentoring, preparing and teaching the next generation of leaders. As I have been an Attorney for the People, I will be a Judge for the People.
I believe my knowledge of the law, legal experience, integrity, fairness, compassion and my commitment to justice qualify me to be a Civil Court Judge.
Please list your current endorsements and judicial screening results. Haitian Powerhouse and Black Law Enforcement Alliance. At this time, I am seeking additional endorsements and screening results.
What interventions and resources are required to ensure that all judges
and court personnel competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community? What steps will you take to secure the necessary resources to implement the interventions?
Continuing training is required to ensure that all judges and court personnel competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community. “In December 2016, the New York State Unified Court System established a new commission regarding LGBTQ issues for both employees and litigants with a stated mission of, “promoting equal participation and access throughout the court system by all persons regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.” Also, in January of 2018, the New York State Unified Court System established a “a new category of Continuing Legal Education (CLE): “Diversity, Inclusion and Elimination of Bias.”
The steps that I will take as a judge, is to ensure and require that all who appear in my courtroom refrain from bias or prejudice by their words or conduct. I will ensure that court staff, court officials or others do not manifest bias or prejudice in their behavior or conduct. Ensuring that the courthouse maintains a friendly environment, welcoming, and safe for the members of diverse LGBTG communities we serve, understanding that it is still work in progress. Another way in which my courtroom and staff can ensure competent, fair equal treatment is by knowing which New York City agencies intersect with the LGBTQ community. Knowing what legal service providers are specifically geared to the LGBTQ community, such as Housing Works Legal Services, is a practical way to assist self-represented LGBT litigants.
Note in my present position, I have recently received training “Gender Identity in the Workplace: A Toolkit for New York State Employees”
How will you commit to ensuring that preferred pronouns and gender identity are respected in your courtroom and on documents prepared by litigators and the court?
As the Judge, the administrator of my courtroom, I will most definitely lead by example.By my leading in my courtroom in using the appropriate pronouns and gender identity,
As the Judge, administrator of my courtroom, I will most definitely lead by example with strong judicial leadership, by my words and actions to be free from bias and prejudice to the LGBT community. To bring about the continued necessary systemic changes with providing a courthouse/courtroom that is a welcoming, friendly environment and safe for the members of diverse LBGT communities, understanding that the progress continues. I will set the example for not only the staff but also the public that sit in the audience.
Will you commit to appearing before the LGBT Bar Association (“LeGal”) judicial screening panel? Do you understand that this club may rescind your endorsement for failure to appear or receiving a non-qualified rating from the association?
Please note that I have submitted an application for an interview.
I understand that this club may rescind any endorsement for failure to appear or receiving a non-qualified rating from the association.
Level
Civil Court Judge, Countywide #6
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What is your current position/law practice? If you are presently a judge, what did you do prior to becoming a judge?
I am currently sitting in Brooklyn as a Housing Court Judge in the trial part. I was a court attorney in Brooklyn Housing Court, to the Honorable Bruce E. Scheckowitz for seven years prior to that and a real estate litigator for five years prior to that.
Why are you qualified to be a judge?
I believe that my 10 years of combined experience as a judge and court attorney, plus five years of experience as a litigator, qualify me to be a Civil Court Judge. I have honed my legal skills, writing skills and knowledge of the law, and have presided over countless trials. I also recognize what it means to be standing on the other side of the bench, which enables me to effectively settle cases.
Please list your current endorsements and judicial screening results.
I was found qualified by the Brooklyn Democratic Party Judicial Screening Panel. I have been endorsed by the Brooklyn Democratic Party, IND, CBID, Jim Owles Club, VIDA, Bay Democrats, Shirley Chisholm Club, PDPA and Run for Something.
What interventions and resources are required to ensure that all judges and court personnel competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community? What steps will you take to secure the necessary resources to implement the interventions?
I have organized Diversity and Inclusion CLES for court system employees and judges which facilitate discussions of our implicit biases. Raising awareness of our differences, similarities and reactions to each other is a key element to treating each other, and marginalized groups, better. I also have a zero tolerance policy for use of disrespectful language by my court staff, or litigants and attorneys appearing before me. Anyone in my court room must treat the LGBTQ community with respect. Period.
How will you commit to ensuring that preferred pronouns and gender identity are respected in your courtroom and on documents prepared by litigators and the court?
I will always respect someone’s request to be addressed using a preferred pronoun and will require that all legal documents reflect the use of the preferred pronoun. If it requires an order by me to do so, I will prepare such an order.
Will you commit to appearing before the LGBT Bar Association (“LeGal”) judicial screening panel? Do you understand that this club may rescind your endorsement for failure to appear or receiving a non-qualified rating from the association?
Yes to both. Already submitted my application for screening.
Level
Civil Court Judge, 2nd District
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What is your current position/law practice? If you are presently a judge, what did you do prior to becoming a judge?
I am currently a Staff Attorney at the Legal Aid Society in the Criminal Defense Practice. I have worked as a public defender for 15 years.
Why are you qualified to be a judge?
I am qualified to be a judge because I know the law, I have experience litigating cases from arraignment to verdict, I conduct legal research and write persuasive memoranda of law, and I have the temperment that is needed to be empathetic to the plight of litigants without any semblence of ego.
Please list your current endorsements and judicial screening results.
I don't have any endorsements as of yet. My judicial screenings with the NYC Bar and LeGal are pending.
What interventions and resources are required to ensure that all judges and court personnel competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community? What steps will you take to secure the necessary resources to implement the interventions?
All judges and court personnel should undergo diversity and sensitivity training. There should be a method of making confidential reports of incidents so that there is no retaliation, which should be investigated by an independent body. Where a complaint is substantiated, re-training should be mandatory before the offending party can be allowed back to work. I would be open to participating in all aspects of a plan to protect the interests of the LGBTQ community.
How will you commit to ensuring that preferred pronouns and gender identity are respected in your courtroom and on documents prepared by litigators and the court?
I would ensure that preferred pronouns and gender identity are respected by leading by example. I have been an ally of the LGBTQ Community for years and have no problem standing up and speaking out when someone is being disrespectful.
Will you commit to appearing before the LGBT Bar Association (“LeGal”) judicial screening panel? Do you understand that this club may rescind your endorsement for failure to appear or receiving a non-qualified rating from the association?
I have already submitted my completed questionnaire to LeGal and my interview is scheduled for May 17, 2021. And yes, I understand the policy about rescinding an endorsement.
Level
Civil Court Judge, 2nd District
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What is your current position/law practice? If you are presently a judge, what did you do prior to becoming a judge?
I am currently a staff attorney with DC37 Municipal Employees Legal Services. I represent New York City employees and retirees in matrimonial court proceedings.
Why are you qualified to be a judge?
I am qualified to be a judge based upon my legal experience and commitment to community. I have over 25 years of extensive legal experience in New York City Courts. I began my legal career in public service as a student attorney with the Juvenile Justice Clinic at the University of Texas representing indigent juveniles charged with criminal offenses. After graduating law school I began working at the Legal Aid Society in the Civil Practice and Criminal Appeals Bureau before entering the court system. Subsequently, I served as a court attorney in both the Criminal Court and Civil Court. In addition to legal writing and analysis, I sat next to the judge during hearings, trials and arraignments. After leaving the court system, I returned to criminal defense practice with the Center for Appellate Litigation. Currently, I manage a high-volume caseload of matrimonial cases involving child custody and visitation, child support and equitable distribution of marital assets.
In addition, I am committed to serving the community. I am a member of Community Board 3 where I sit on the Housing and Land Use Committee. I am also a member of the executive board of my block association and the Brownstoners of Bedford Stuyvesant, Inc. I educate people about their rights and advocate for civic empowerment and engagement. I also lead workshops on issues affecting community residents including housing, criminal justice and estate planning. As a member of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association Brooklyn Pipeline Initiative and the Mentorship Program I support college students and young attorneys to promote diversity in the legal system and the courts.
Please list your current endorsements and judicial screening results.
I have been endorsed by DC37, Vanguard Independent Democratic Association and District Leaders: Annette M. Robinson, Henry L. Butler, Anthony T. Jones, Shaquana Boykin, Shirley M. Patter and Edu Hermelyn.
The Kings County Judicial Screening Committee has found me qualified twice.
What interventions and resources are required to ensure that all judges and court personnel competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community? What steps will you take to secure the necessary resources to implement the interventions?
In order to ensure that judges and court personnel competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community there needs to be continued education around and enforcement of the use of proper pronouns, names and titles. In addition, judges and all court personnel should be required to complete training geared toward reducing gender and sexual orientation bias. The education should include legal resources that are specific to meeting the needs of the LGBTQ Community such as the New York Legal Assistance Group and the Brooklyn Legal Services LGBT Advocacy Group.
How will you commit to ensuring that preferred pronouns and gender identity are respected in your courtroom and on documents prepared by litigators and the court?
I would treat all persons in accordance with their gender identity, including appropriate titles of respect and the preferred names and pronouns. I would remind all court officers to do the same by reminding them not to make presumptions based upon societal stereotypes. When made aware of inappropriate, rude or discourteous conduct I will speak to the person directly and if necessary report the behavior to the Office of Court Administration. Finally, in cases where the person has expressed a preferred pronoun I would note that in the court file to prevent misgendering by litigators and the court.
Will you commit to appearing before the LGBT Bar Association (“LeGal”) judicial screening panel? Do you understand that this club may rescind your endorsement for failure to appear or receiving a non-qualified rating from the association?
I will appear before the LeGaL judicial screening panel. I understand that this club may rescind my endorsement for failure to appear or receiving a non-qualified rating from the association.
Level
Civil Court Judge, 2nd District
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What is your current position/law practice? If you are presently a judge, what did you do prior to becoming a judge?
I currently serve as Principal Law Clerk to the Honorable Lisa Ottley in the Kings County Supreme Court.
Why are you qualified to be a judge?
To whom much is given, much is required. My parents not only repeated this maxim to my siblings and me, but inspired us through their own actions. At a young age, I recall my father’s involvement and commitment to his community, be it in his role as the president of the local Lions Club, through his fraternity, as a college professor, or his role within our church. Sadly, my father ended up being a victim of gun violence as he was getting out of his car after work to visit my maternal grandmother. And although no arrests were ever made, I was determined to channel my pain in a positive way. Even before making the decision to go to law school, I used my skills to provide guidance to domestically abused women, mentor younger kids and volunteered through my church. I eventually made the decision to attend law school as I believed I would be able to contribute to my community in a more meaningful way.
Throughout my legal career, I have experienced that access to justice is oftentimes based on how much a person can afford. Consequently, I have been consistent and intentional about my commitment to equal justice. Whether it is hosting a “Just Mercy” virtual film discussion on the criminal justice system, co-hosting a Know Your Tenants’ Rights seminar, taking high schoolers on a field trip to criminal court, volunteering as a Guardian ad litem in Housing Court, organizing a six-week judicial panel series on a variety of topics/courts, writing and presenting on estate planning, regularly dedicating a day at a senior residence to facilitate the execution of advance directives, or staffing and hosting in person and virtual legal clinics, education and raising public awareness has been my path to advancing equal justice under the law.
As a sole practitioner, I understood what it was to work long hours, run a business, follow through complex matters to completion, deal with clients, and develop and manage relationships with clients and other attorneys. I also know from first-hand experience the indispensable value of a practitioner’s time, and that understanding would reflect in my display of courtesy and punctuality to those that appear before me.
In my current role as an impartial law clerk, I am keenly aware of when unrepresented parties are being marginalized. I have experienced how underrepresentation can lead to justice denied. I am in the courtroom every day, resolving disputes, I routinely communicate with attorneys, pro se litigants, family members, court personnel, judges and their staff, elected officials, government agencies, and medical providers. I have learned to show courtesy, compassion and fairness in each instance, regardless of personalities, and interests. I believe this exposure will assist me in displaying the judicial temperament that is required to instill confidence in our courts and to those that appear before me. Furthermore, as a Small Claims Court arbitrator, I aim to achieve equal justice by fairly applying the law, and patiently explaining the law to litigants that appear before me.
I believe my experience as a Principal Law Clerk, my experience in private practice, my desire to learn, my commitment to safeguarding the canons of equal justice under the law, my community involvement, my commitment to public service, the strict standards of conduct I subscribe to, as well as the diversity I bring to the bench, are all attributes that qualify me for a Judicial position.
Please list your current endorsements and judicial screening results.
I have endorsements from colleagues and community members/advocates that have had the opportunity to work with me, observe my work ethic, or benefitted from initiatives I organized within my community. I was found qualified by the Brooklyn Democratic Party Judicial Screening Committee. I plan to complete other judicial screening applications.
What interventions and resources are required to ensure that all judges and court personnel competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community? What steps will you take to secure the necessary resources to implement the interventions?
The New York State Judicial Institute routinely offers CLE programs in tackling micro- and macroaggressions, implicit and explicit bias and I plan to attend those programs. I will be intentional about attending bias and diversity trainings at the New Judges’ Seminar and throughout my time on the bench. Furthermore, I plan to suggest/attend/sponsor seminars and conferences for judges and court personnel on bias training as it relates to the LGBTQ community.
How will you commit to ensuring that preferred pronouns and gender identity are respected in your courtroom and on documents prepared by litigators and the court?
I will create a safe courtroom by embodying empathy and taking steps to ensure all litigants feel welcome and included regardless of their preferred pronoun or gender identity. My commitment to ensuring a safe space will be demonstrated by asking what name or preferred pronoun to use, using gender neutral language, and being aware of and checking my own implicit bias, if any.
Will you commit to appearing before the LGBT Bar Association (“LeGal”) judicial screening panel? Do you understand that this club may rescind your endorsement for failure to appear or receiving a non- qualified rating from the association?
My application has been submitted to LeGal.
