Brooklyn judges convene in Manhattan for essay contest

May 14, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff
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Chief judge comes down to city bar to honor finalists

Appellate Division Second Department Justice Robert Miller hosted the 11th Annual Independence of the Judiciary Essay Contest, hosting the high school finalists last week at the New York City Bar Association in Midtown Manhattan. With this year’s Law Day theme being “No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom,” the students were asked to write about how the independence of the American legal system is essential to assuring that all citizens, rich and poor, can obtain justice. The finalists received an award certificate, a $100 American Express card and the opportunity to intern with a state Supreme Court justice in their home county. The grand prize winner (Christopher Liego, of Sheepshead Bay High School) will also have his essay published in the New York Law Journal, which sponsors the event along with the Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York.

Essay contest grand prize-winner Christopher Liego, of Sheepshead Bay High School, with his family and his award. Liego will have his essay published in an upcoming edition of the New York Law Journal.

New York City Criminal Courts Administrative Judge Barry KaminsKings County Administrative Jusge for Civil Matters Sylvia Hinds RadixLippman, who recently made New York the first state to mandate that prospective lawyers complete 50 hours of pro bono service before admission to the bar, told the students that the courts are intended to be a place where everyone and anyone can go to seek justice. “Nothing is more important than the pursuit of justice,” Lippman said. “That pursuit of justice shouldn’t matter if you’re rich or poor.” Hon. Robert Miller, beneath a portrait of of former City Bar president and U.S. secretary of war Henry Stimson. Debra Lesser (left), of the New York City Department of Education, and Paulina Ellis, secretary to Appellate Division Second Department Justice Robert Miller.

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