Marisa Arrabito (She/Her) for Civil Court Judge- Kings County
1) Endorsements So Far
Kings County Democratic County Committee, • District Leader Lydia Green - 52nd Assembly District. • District Leader Josue Pierre - 42nd Assembly District. • Assemblymember and Kings County Democratic Chairwoman Rodneyse Bichotte- Hermelyn - 42nd Assembly District. • District Leader Jennifer Faucher - 41st Assembly District • District Leader Kenesha Traynham Cooper - 56th Assembly District. • District Leader Henry Butler - 56th Assembly District. • District Leader Joey Cohen Saban - Assembly District 45. • Councilwoman and District Leader Mercedes Narcisse - 58th Assembly District. • District Leader Heriberto Mateo - 54th Assembly District. • District Leader Arleny Alvarado- Mccalla - 54th Assembly District. • District Leader Anthony Jones - 55th Assembly District. • District Leader Jacqui Painter - 51st Assembly District • District Leader Mark Hanna - Assembly District 64. • District Leader Tony Ying Ko - Assembly District 49. • District Leader Christopher M. McCreight - 46th Assembly District. • District Leader Angela Kravtchenko – 46th Assembly District. • District Leader Frank R. Seddio - 59th Assembly District. • District Leader Shaquana Boykin - Assembly District 57th.
2) Judicial Screening Results So Far
Found qualified by Judicial Screening Committee for the Democratic Party in and for Kings County
3) What is your current position/law practice?
Principal Law Secretary for Hon. Kenneth Sherman, Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term.
4) Why are you qualified to be a judge?
As a civil litigator for 20 years, I understand how a judge's decision impacts the litigants, how personal and important the cases are to the litigants involved, and how litigants want and should be heard. Throughout my career I have always been courteous, respectful, compassionate and empathetic and I feel these qualities are necessary on the bench. I was born and raised in Brooklyn and still living in Brooklyn. I have been serving as a court attorney for the past three years helping people resolve their disputes and I want to continue serving my borough as a Civil Court Judge.
5) What interventions and resources are required to ensure that all judges and court personnel competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community?
Training is essential in ensuring that every single person working in the court system is respectful. Properly vetting candidates for court positions is equally important in determining competency and respectfulness in working with the LGBTQ community. Also, implementing procedures to address any issues or complaints.
6) 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?
If elected, I would start with who I select to work with me. A judge's staff is an extension of the judge and should have similar temperament, values and dedication to serving everyone in the public equally and with respect. I would also add rules to ensure that people are addressed by their preferred pronouns and require that everyone list their preferred pronouns on all documents and pleadings.
7) 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 and yes.
8) There are many aspects of the legal system that have contributed and continue to contribute to inequality and injustice (mass incarceration, right-wing anti-democracy judges, etc.) What would you do in your role as a judge to build a more just and fair legal system?
A judge's role is to be fair and impartial. I will work hard to fully understand all the facts and circumstances of each case and do that with compassion and empathy. I will not just accept what is being presented before me but put in the work and take the extra steps to obtain all of the information in order to make fully informed decisions. I will ensure that people's rights are being protected, and that people who need help receive that help.