Hundreds turn out to honor Hon. Ellen Spodek at retirement gala, celebrating a storied and distinguished judicial career
‘She represents the best of all of us’
From left: Helene Blank, Esq., Hon. Ellen Spodek and Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association President Lisa Michael, Esq. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
WILLIAMSBURG — Hon. Ellen Spodek, a veteran New York jurist with a long career in Brooklyn’s courts, celebrated her retirement from the bench the evening of Wednesday, April 29, at Giando on the Water, 400 Kent Ave. Hundreds attended in support of Spodek’s milestone.
Guest speakers at the event included Deputy Chief Administrative Judge of New York City Courts Adam Silvera; Hon. Genine Edwards; Hon. Lawrence Knipel; Hon. Monique Holaman; Helene Blank, Esq.; Kristen Borruso, Spodek’s principal law clerk; and Spodek’s sister, Susan Glickman.
The emcee for the evening, Hon. Carl Landicino, called Spodek a dear friend to many, a mentor to all and a greatly respected jurist who will be sorely missed.
“Judge Spodek has been in every court, was a member of so many judicial associations, every bar association, and she lectures everywhere — even in the hallway,” Landicino quipped.
From left: Hon. Ellen Spodek, Hon. Lara Genovesi and Hon. Miriam Cyrulnik. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
Silvera referred to Spodek as a jurist of extraordinary distinction, a model of public service and a credit to the profession. He spoke of her work in public service that spanned decades.
“She would show up and preside with fairness and rigor over some of the most complex and consequential litigation in Kings County, from medical malpractice cases to guardianship matters that determine the most intimate and fundamental aspects of a vulnerable person’s life,” Silvera said.
“Judge Spodek is known for telling new judges and lawyers never to assume they are the smartest person in the room — that there’s always something to learn from someone else. But what truly distinguishes her is not merely her legal acumen, it’s her integrity, her dedication and her humanity.”
Edwards called Spodek “a welcoming judge.”
“She was always attempting to settle a case and make sure that no attorney was hurt in the process,” Edwards said. “I’ve known Ellen since our days in Civil Court. She was my supervisor at that time. We will definitely miss her, but Ellen, this is your season, so enjoy it.”
Knipel, who has had a relationship with the Spodek family for more than 40 years, called Spodek “a superstar.” He also spoke of the days of working with Spodek’s father, Jules, a New York Supreme Court justice, and her mother, Hortense.
“I came to work for Ellen’s father in April 1982,” Knipel recalled. “I learned everything about being a judge from Judge Jules Spodek. He was a master of the courtroom. Ellen’s mother, I can honestly say, was the best campaigner in Brooklyn.”
Blank said it was an honor to recognize someone who has meant so much to her as well as to the legal community. “Ellen represents the best of all of us,” Blank said.
“She was someone everyone in this room trusted — lawyers, litigants, staff and juries alike. You always knew that when you walked into her courtroom, you were going to be heard, treated with respect and most importantly, you were going to get a fair shake.”
Holaman said Spodek is “truly the epitome of a true team player and someone who made everyone feel special.”
Hon. Ellen Spodek. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
Borruso, who worked with Spodek for nearly 20 years, pointed out that no matter the case, no matter the attorneys or litigants, Spodek always handled things with the right temperament and objectivity. “I’m lucky to have had all these years learning from the best.”
Glickman noted that she is beyond proud of the enduring legacy her sister helped sustain, which began with their father.
“Here’s to a career served with honor and a retirement filled with passports,” Glickman said with a smile. “Ellen loves to travel, and I have a feeling retirement is less about slowing down and more about upgrading her seat. No more dockets, just destinations.”
Spodek’s remarks were sincere and heartfelt.
“There are simply no words to describe how I feel about this other than blessed,” she said. “I know that I will continue to seek you all out for advice and support as I enter another stage of what has been such a deeply satisfying career. You all mean so much to me.”
Beginnings
Spodek was born and raised in Midwood. She earned her undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Albany and her law degree from Fordham University School of Law. She began her career in the New York City Law Department Corporation Counsel, working in the torts division and defending the city in lawsuits, before entering private practice.
Susan Glickman, left, alongside Hon. Ellen Spodek. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
In 2002, Spodek was elected to the New York City Civil Court—Kings County and subsequently appointed to Family Court, expanding her judicial experience. Spodek also served as supervising judge of the Kings County Civil Court, where she presided over civil matters, including landlord-tenant disputes and other civil cases within its jurisdiction.
In 2008, Spodek was appointed and later elected to the New York State Supreme Court — Kings County. In 2021, she temporarily served as acting administrative judge for the Supreme Court, Civil Term, in Kings County. Spodek has remained an elected Supreme Court justice, continuing to handle civil cases in Brooklyn.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
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.
