Civil Court Countywide Seat #4 - Pamela Patton Fynes

1.     What is your current position/law practice?

Currently I am senior counsel for New York State United Teachers “NYSUT” where my practice focuses on representing public and private sector employees in labor, employment and education law matters at grievances, arbitrations, employee disciplinary proceedings, and matters before the New York State Public Employment Board (“PERB”) and in state and federal court.

2.     Why are you qualified to be a judge?

I believe I am qualified for a judicial position because I have devoted the majority of my career to serving the public. Whether it was as a Senior Assistant District Attorney, an insurance defense attorney, or a labor attorney I have spent my career giving a voice to the voiceless.  I have always looked to serve the public in both my personal and professional life. My motto has always been that while I may be unable to change the world I can change and have an impact on the small part of the community in which I live and work. 

I am honest with high ethical and moral standards.  I live the life that I preach and the life I want to see.  I always treat my family, friends’ colleagues, and clients the way that I would like them to treat me, with respect, honesty, and fairness. My core value system provides a framework for how I live my life.  A review of my resume and bio demonstrates that both my personal and professional experiences speak to my love of the law and my ability not only to succeed in a judicial position, but to excel in the most challenging of circumstances.  The lessons I learned early in my life guide me every day in my litigation practice and career.  They have also helped give me a sense of focus and purpose in my leadership roles in my sorority, committees, and organizations, where successfully navigating differences often require a judicious balance of tact, forthrightness and understanding within the broader context of rules, policies, and procedures to get the job done, all while preserving mutual respect and a shared commitment to the institution being served. These lessons also inform my belief that every litigant and every attorney deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and that every litigant, no matter the circumstance, is entitled to equal access to justice.  

I possess over thirty (30) years of legal experience, I believe I have the judicial temperament, integrity, and knowledge necessary to be the kind of judge our borough needs to get the job done. I am a problem solver, impartial and fair.  I can be relied upon to allow everyone who enters my courtroom to have a voice. These are some of the reasons why I believe I am qualified for a judicial position.

3.     Please list your current endorsements and judicial screening results.

I was found qualified for the position of Civil Court Judge by the Kings County Judicial Screening Committee for the Democratic Party.

 I have been endorsed by the following organizations and individuals: Vanguard Independent Democratic Association, Independent Neighborhood Democrats, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, 41st A.D. “Lew Fidler” Democrats, Southern Brooklyn Democrats, Community 1st Democrats, Shirley Chisholm Democratic Club, Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club.   Attorney General Letitia James, Reverend Anthony Trufant, Honorable Annette Robinson, District Leader Henry Butler, and District Leader Kenesha Traynham-Cooper.

4.     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 ensure the necessary resources to implement the intervention? 

The NYS Court office of diversity and inclusion as well as the Failla commission offer a wide area of resources to help ensure that I will have the necessary tools that I need to serve the LGBT community competently and respectfully.

I am committed to ensuring that all communities including the LGBTQ community have equal access to our judicial system.  I believe that each and every individual is unique and recognizing our individual differences whether it be race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical disabilities, religious beliefs, or political beliefs, is extremely important in the workplace.  I will constantly work to support; lift, connect and encourage equity in my courtroom.  I believe that everyone has a voice, and everyone deserves to be heard and seen for who and what they are. I believe that if we build and create awareness around institutional discrimination then we have a better chance to work toward a culture that is more inviting and accepting of diverse people.  This is how I will preside and run my courtroom.

5.     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?

Judges are required to perform the duties of their office fairly, impartially, and diligently, I believe that a judge sets the tone, temperament, and decorum for their courtroom, they lead by example. I believe people do better when they know better, so I will ensure that I will respect gender identity and use all preferred pronouns and advise everyone who works with me and for me what is expected of them and their behavior in my courtroom.

6.     Will you commit to appearing before the LGBT Bar Association (“LeGal”) judicial screening panel?

Please be advised that I have appeared before the LeGal judiciary committee and received the rating of “Approved”.