I will bring to the bench over 30 years of legal experience, deep community ties, and a dedication to fairness and empathy. In private practice, I’ve represented individuals, families, and small business owners in immigration, family, and other civil matters—often during the most difficult times in their lives. I’ve advocated for people from all backgrounds, including survivors of domestic violence and asylum seekers.
I serve as an arbitrator in the Small Claims Court part of the NYC Civil Court, handling trials involving everyday legal issues. I also volunteer as pro bono defense counsel for taxi drivers at OATH. I am active in the community through board service at Thalia Spanish Theatre and the Sunnyside Shines Community Advisory Board.
I’m honored to be endorsed by numerous elected officials, three bar associations, and the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club. My experience and service qualify me to bring to the bench empathy, compassion, and respect for all.
I’m running for Civil Court Judge because I believe the court should be a place where every person — no matter their background, income level, or legal knowledge — is treated with dignity, fairness, and compassion. Civil Court is often the first and only point of contact that many New Yorkers have with the justice system. Whether it’s recovering unpaid wages, addressing consumer debt, or a small claims case, people come to court because they need help resolving matters that affect their daily lives. They deserve a judge who listens carefully, applies the law thoughtfully, and treats everyone with respect. It is my goal to serve the role with fairness, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people of this borough.
Almost 20 years ago, I opened my own small law firm in Elmhurst with the motto, “Affordable Justice for Hardworking People.” I addressed a social justice gap for the working poor and middle class who were priced out of free legal services, yet had no money to access our court system.
In addition to being the only judicial candidate in Queens with admission to the bar of the U. S. Supreme Court, I’m the only candidate for Municipal 2 with actual experience litigating in the court where I am running to serve. I also have a decade’s experience as an arbitrator in the Attorney Client Fee Dispute Program in Part 137 of Queens Civil Court.
As a holder of two doctorates, I bring a scholarly approach as well as a wealth of litigation experience to the bench. I have published several articles on educational issues and a chapter in the International Handbook of Anti-racist Education. Law and education are my twin passions, and my campaign values are Equality, Trust & Justice.
As a voter I became dismayed year after year having no choice in our Queens judicial candidates. There is rarely a competitive race and I started seeing lackluster attorneys installed to the bench by a back room, closed door process. These judicial seats belong to We the People and it’s time to restore democracy and give the voters a meaningful choice. Win or lose, I felt strongly that it was my civic duty to run and call attention to this matter.
Should the People entrust me with this position, I pledge to always rule according to the law and to be fair and equitable to all who come before me. I will also do my part to educate the general public about our judiciary and court system, and would love to partner with schools and youth programs to educate our young folks.
