Legal community gathers to honor newly-inducted Judge Betsey Jean-Jacques
In the ceremony's defining moment, Judge Betsey Jean-Jacques is sworn in by Hon. Francois Rivera, surrounded by peers and family. Photos: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
By Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor
February 29, 2024
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Full slideshow below
Hon. Betsey Jean-Jacques was officially inducted as a judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York during a ceremony at Sirico’s Caterers in Dyker Heights on Sunday, Feb. 4. Elected in November 2023, Jean-Jacques’ induction was performed by Hon. Francois Rivera.
The ceremony was hosted by Hon. Joanne Quinones with Julian Figueras leading the Pledge of Allegiance and the NYS Courts Ceremonial Unit presenting the colors. As a judge of Haitian decent, Jean-Jacques had Dara Darguste perform the Haitian National Anthem and Black National Anthem, celebrating her’ heritage and the diversity of New York City.
Speakers at the event included notable figures such as retired Kings County Democratic Party Chair Hon. Frank Seddio; District Leaders Arleny Alvarado-McCalla and Mark Hanna; and Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse. Testimonials were also given by Judge Janet McFarlane, Katrina Miller, and Alix and Valencia Pamphile.
Presiding over the ceremonial oath was Hon. Francois Rivera, who Jean-Jacques credits as one of her biggest mentors. Starting her legal career in 2007 with the Mental Hygiene Legal Service, Appellate Division, Second Department, Jean-Jacques tried more than 1,200 cases before joining Rivera in 2018 as his principal law clerk.
“A simple thank you will never be enough to express the love and gratitude I have for my parents, Roseline and Francois Jean-Jacques, who have supported me all the days of my life,” Judge Jean-Jacques said. “This moment is not only mine, but it is our day. Let us rejoice and be glad because God is good.”
Judge Jean-Jacques is currently serving as the president of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Kings County.
Full slideshow below
A “united front” of Brooklyn judges gathers in support of Judge Betsey Jean-Jacques' induction.
Judges Hon. Maria Aragona, Hon. Joy Campanelli and Hon. Carolyn Wade as part of the judicial procession.
Judge Jean-Jacques makes her ceremonial entrance with her parents, Francois and Roseline Jean-Jacques.
Arleny Alvarado-McCalla and Yamil Speight-Miller honor Judge Jean-Jacques with citations, celebrating her achievements and contributions to the community.
Judge Jean-Jacques shares a moment with Hon. Frank Seddio, who announced that this could be the final induction ceremony he attends in person.
Hon. Janet McFarland poses with Judge Jean-Jacques.
Alix and Valencia Pamphile, the judge’s uncle and aunt, deliver heartfelt speeches.
A candid moment with Hon. Betsey Jean-Jacques, sitting closely with her brother Marvin and mother Roseline.
Judge Jean-Jacques alongside her mentor, Hon. Francois Rivera.
Recently inducted Judges Brian Gottlieb, Betsey Jean-Jacques, Monique Holaman and Linda Wilson.
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ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
