The Brooklyn Democratic Party is celebrating the elevation of Trinidadian-American Justice Lisa S. Ottley to the New York State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division in Kings County (Brooklyn).
“We are proud to recognize Brooklyn’s own Hon. Lisa S. Ottley’s elevation in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, Second Department, as an additional justice,” Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair, Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, told Caribbean Life on Friday, Jan. 16.
In her announcement on Jan. 15, Bichotte Hermelyn, daughter of Haitian immigrants and representative of Brooklyn’s 42nd Assembly District, highlighted Gov. Kathy Hochul’s statement that Judge Ottley’s appointment will strengthen New York’s Appellate Courts with deep legal experience and a commitment to justice.
Bichotte Hermelyn noted that since 2023, Judge Ottley has served as associate justice of the Appellate Term of the Supreme Court, overseeing civil matters and jury trials in Kings County.
Previously, Justice Ottley presided over guardianship cases and various trials from 2016 to 2023, prior to her Appellate Term role.
Previously, Justice Ottley presided over guardianship cases and various trials from 2016 to 2023, prior to her Appellate Term role.
Elected to Civil Court in 2008 and appointed supervising judge in 2019, she led the Trial Assignment Part.
She became the first African American supervising judge of Kings County Civil Court.
She became the first African American supervising judge of Kings County Civil Court.
Before becoming Acting Supreme Court Justice, she handled Civil and Family Court cases and Criminal Court arraignments in Kings County.
Justice Ottley also serves on the Guardianship Advisory Committee and participates as a lecturer and committee member at the Judicial Institute.
Justice Ottley also serves on the Guardianship Advisory Committee and participates as a lecturer and committee member at the Judicial Institute.
A former adjunct professor at Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus, and Kingsborough Community College, Judge Ottley graduated from Temple University School of Law and is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first African American Sorority established in 1908 at Howard University.
Throughout her career, Judge Ottley has mentored new judges, aspiring attorneys, and young lawyers.
“The Brooklyn Dems extend our warmest congratulations to Judge Ottley,” Bichotte Hermelyn said.
“The Brooklyn Dems extend our warmest congratulations to Judge Ottley,” Bichotte Hermelyn said.
On Jan. 15, Gov. Hochul announced the appointments of Justice Ottley to the Appellate Division, Second Department, and Justice Christina Ryba to the Third Department.
“Today, I’m strengthening New York’s Appellate Courts by announcing the designations of two women whose legal expertise, judicial temperament, and commitment to justice will ensure New York’s laws are applied fairly and correctly,” Hochul said.
“Today, I’m strengthening New York’s Appellate Courts by announcing the designations of two women whose legal expertise, judicial temperament, and commitment to justice will ensure New York’s laws are applied fairly and correctly,” Hochul said.
“With the appointment of Justice Ottley and Justice Ryba, our courts will continue to uphold the public trust and serve as places of integrity and justice for all New Yorkers,” she added.
On Jan. 17, Justice Ottley told Caribbean Life: “First, let me say that God is awesome! Having faith that is strongly rooted and people who support you is wonderful.”
On Jan. 17, Justice Ottley told Caribbean Life: “First, let me say that God is awesome! Having faith that is strongly rooted and people who support you is wonderful.”
“From the start, the Kings County Democratic Leader, Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn, has been an advocate and voice for my elevation to the Appellate Division, Second Department,” she said. “It was her leadership, hard work, and dedication, along with the support of the Kings County Democratic District Leaders, who were committed and joined together as a unified party, to inform the governor that they had a candidate they wanted to see elevated to the Appellate Division.
“I am extremely grateful for the support and look forward to continuing this next chapter in my career,” Justice Ottley added. “Not being a stranger to hard work, due diligence, and commitment to being the best that I can be, I look forward to what is ahead.
“The Appellate Division Second Department is a dedicated bench of highly intelligent jurists who work hard,” Justice Ottley continued. “My never-ending commitment to the community and experience on the bench will continue to be an asset in facing this new challenge.
“It is an awesome feeling to know that my work ethic and focus have moved me forward to the next and exciting phase in my professional life,” she said. “No doubt, it will be challenging, but, at the same time, fulfilling. A big shout out to Assembly Member and District Leader Nikki Lucas, who has been an avid supporter since 2008.”
