Janice Chen for Civil Court Judge - Kings County
1) Endorsements So Far
CBID, Crystal Hudson, Maritza Davila, James Brennan
2) Judicial Screening Results So Far
Judicial Screening Committee for the Democratic Party - Kings County - Qualified
3)What is your current position/law practice?
Court Attorney - Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term
4) Why are you qualified to be a judge?
- With over 20 years of legal experience, commitment to community service, and dedication to fairness, I am well-qualified to serve as a Civil Court Judge in Kings County. My background and values align with the principles of justice and equity. In my capacity as Court Attorney in Kings County Supreme Court, I believe in giving all parties the opportunity to be heard and understood by the Court. In Article 81 Guardianships, it is important for the Court to appreciate the vulnerability of both the alleged incapacitated person and the family bringing the petition. The parties who come before the Guardianship Court seek legal direction with dignity.
- I have also worked in the Central Compliance Part resolving discovery disputes in civil litigation. Though the calendar was always very heavy, I believe that the attorneys who conference before me deserve to know the legal and factual reasoning behind the recommendations. Though the orders were short, my draft decisions were always enumerated and explained. To the extent possible, I would also cite cases for better context.
- I believe in quality education rooted in the community. I serve as the chairperson of a charter school currently located in Brownsville/Ocean Hill. I have been involved with the school board for over 14 years. It is important that we mentor future community leaders so the culture of mentorship continues with each successive generation.
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?
Formally, education is a an important tool to ensure that all judges for with the LGBTQ community. The opportunity to have dialogue and present the legal concerns of the LGBTQ community can only broaden a judge's awareness of the issues that may present before them on the bench. Informally, I believe court events that highlight awareness and participation of court staff and stakeholders also brings the legal community together.
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?
I respect and I am committed to the preferred pronouns/gender identity of the parties who appear in court.
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. I am currently scheduleld to meet with the committee on June 9, 2025. Yes, I understand that LIDBK may rescind any endorsement for failure to appear/or upon receiving a non-qualifed rating.
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?
Although I cannot have a particular platform or take a political position, I believe that my commitment to service demonstrates my ability to apply the law fairly and equally to all who appear in court. The ability to use the law in the context of the facts presented in each case is paramount. A judge should have a keen eye for the applicable facts but also have the ability to listen to opposing arguments. The parties also look to the judge for an orderly proceeding and therefore it is important for any judge to recognize and limit extraneous/personal comments and let the parties know that they should maintain decorum.