Brooklyn’s Anthony ‘Chidi’ Eze joins NYC Civil Court Bench

Anthony “Chidi” Eze, Brooklyn attorney and community advocate, was formally inducted as a Judge of the New York City Civil Court on Jan. 18, 2026, at a ceremony attended by judiciary members, officials, community leaders, and family.

The ceremony included opening remarks, prayer, a procession of justices, color presentation, pledges, and both the U.S. and Nigerian National anthems to reflect Judge Eze’s heritage.

Judge Eze, a self-employed attorney since 2004, has operated a small law firm in Downtown Brooklyn for more than two decades. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics before receiving his law degree from the University of Birmingham Law School in England in 2000. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2003 and to the Federal District Courts in 2004.

Judge Chidi Eze holding a citation presented to him by Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn during his induction. Photo by Orlande Fleury

A seasoned trial and appellate attorney, Judge Eze is known for civil rights and high-stakes litigation, including advocacy for homeowners and workers. In 2010, VerdictSearch Law Review named him among New York State’s highest jury award winners. His work has appeared in several major publications.

He is widely known for his advocacy on behalf of homeowners and workers, winning significant settlements against major financial institutions in high-stakes litigation. In 2010, VerdictSearch Law Review named him one of the highest jury award winners in New York State, illustrating the tangible impact of his work. His legal efforts have resulted in media coverage in publications such as Westlaw, the New York Daily News, and the New York Post.

He played a key role in advancing the Foreclosure Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA), which was signed in 2022 and protects thousands of homeowners. Much of his work has been pro bono, especially for low-income residents facing housing insecurity.

From left, Rona Taylor, president of the Shirley Chisholm Democratic Club, Civil Court Judge Chidi Eze, and Josue Pierre, District Leader. Photo by Orlande Fleury

During the ceremony, Josue Pierre, District Leader for the 42nd Assembly District, which includes Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush, and Midwood, praised Judge Eze’s character and commitment to the community.

“Every year as district leader, we have the difficult task of choosing among many highly experienced, talented, and deserving candidates for Civil Court judge, and it is never an easy decision,” Pierre said. “It forces you to look beyond qualifications. What I have observed about Chidi is that he is honest, highly intelligent, and deeply humble. He is committed to the community, he is fair, and he is the type of person I would want to see on the bench if a member of my community or even myself had to appear before a judge.”

Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn and chair of the Kings County Democratic County Committee, Judge Chidi Eze, and Josue Pierre, District Leader. Photo by Orlande Fleury

Speakers at the induction also included St. Francis College President Timothy Cecere, Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, Nigerian Consul General Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, Professor Gregorio Mayers, Esq., and Assembly Member Nikki Lucas. Members of Judge Eze’s family also participated in the program.

The oath of office was administered by Judge Carmen Pacheco. In his closing remarks, Judge Eze expressed gratitude to his family, mentors, and community, and reaffirmed his commitment to fairness, equity, and justice on the bench.

A resident of Flatbush, Judge Eze is married with two children and is widely recognized for his community involvement, including housing advocacy, mediation, and neighborhood outreach. His induction marks a significant milestone in a legal career defined by public service and advocacy for the underserved.

Members of the audience enjoying a drum performance. Photo by Orlande Fleury

“We gather this evening not just to celebrate a title, but to honor a journey. A journey that reminds us why we fight, why we serve, and why faith and perseverance still matter in this world. This story begins with humble beginnings.

Bichotte Hermelyn continued, “Judge Chidi’s story is not one of privilege. It is not a story of shortcuts or connections. It is the story of a man who started with almost nothing and still gave everything.”

Further illustrating Judge Eze’s path, the speaker noted, “When no law firm would hire him, he did not give up, complain, or become bitter. Instead, he taught himself how to litigate and represented people who had no money, no voice, and no hope. He worked for free, not for days, not for weeks, but for years, because people needed him.”

Reflecting on Judge Eze’s career, Bichotte Hermelyn stated that he litigated thousands of cases and found justice for thousands. As a civil rights trial attorney, he protected homeowners, fought discrimination, and advocated for tenants, workers, families facing foreclosure, and immigrants who did not speak English.

Bichotte Hermelyn’s remarks underscored Judge Eze’s lifelong commitment to serving those with the least access to justice, demonstrating his daily support for the community, often at personal cost and without expectation of reward.