Hon. Dora Irizarry takes over as Chief Judge in Brooklyn Federal Court
The Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of New York Chapter and the Federal Litigation Section held a special ceremony at the federal courthouse in Downtown Brooklyn last Friday to mark the passing of the torch from Chief Judge Carol Bagley Amon to Hon. Dora Irizarry, who will replace Bagley Amon as chief judge for the Eastern District.
The first thing Irizarry did as chief judge was offer a warning to those who are used to dealing with Hon. Carol Bagley Amon’s humor: “I have to start with a caveat in the form of open disclosure — I simply am not funny,” Irizarry said, drawing laughter and applause. “So don’t expect the charming wit of Chief Judge Amon, or Judge Dearie or Judge Gleason. It’s just not happening.”
The ritual, which was the first of its kind, packed the federal court’s ceremonial courtroom with more than 300 dignitaries, including judges, court employees and friends and family. It included speeches from Dina Miller, president of the Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of New York Chapter; Mark K. Vincent and Ernest T. Bartol, the president and vice president, respectively, of the Federal Bar Association; former Chief Judge Edward Korman; Hon. Joanna Seybert; Hon. Jose Cabranes; and a video message from U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch.