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Eagle Q&A: Brooklyn native Judge Robin K. Sheares seeks reappointment to Civil Court bench

September 12, 2017 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Eagle file photo by Rob Abruzzese
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Judge Robin K. Sheares is a native New Yorker, born in Harlem. She moved to Brooklyn at age six with her parents, along with her seven siblings and grew up in Bedford Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy). She was a product of the public school system and, after witnessing a landlord tenant dispute that left her disappointed in the judge handling the case, Sheares was inspired to become a judge.

She graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and went on to Ithaca College where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, which ultimately led her to follow her dream when she attended St. John’s University Law school, receiving her Juris Doctor in November, 1986.

Upon receiving her law degree, Sheares accepted a position as court attorney. Sheares is currently an Acting Supreme Court Justice where she presides over Civil and Criminal cases.

Judge Sheares took the time to answer some questions for the Brooklyn Eagle.

Eagle: So, you are a native New Yorker who was born in Harlem and raised in Bed-Stuy. Tell me a little bit about your childhood?

Sheares: I came to Brooklyn 50 years this coming January, 2018. My parents and eight children moved from Harlem to Bed-Stuy in 1968.

Eagle: How did your childhood growing up in Bed-Stuy influence your decision to seek a career in law?

Sheares: My childhood growing up in Bed-Stuy certainly influenced my decision to seek a career in law. At the Ag of 8, as a third grader, I witnessed a Housing Court case.  There, I observed a Judge who was doing a lot of talking and not listening. At that young age, I said to myself “I can do that.” Not because I knew the law but because I knew at that young age to be a good judge one must be a good listener, I am a good listener.

Eagle: What are your current duties as Acting Supreme Court Justice presiding over Civil and Criminal cases?

Sheares: As an acting Justice of the Supreme Court, I preside over Civil cases with a jurisdictional monetary amount s of $25,000 or less (for the most part).

Trials consist of vehicle accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, etc. In Kings County when not doing trials, I am on circuit. The circuit consists of four parts for the duration of four weeks (a part a week).

 

Eagle: As a successful judge, what made you want to run for the Civil Court bench seat in the first place?

Sheares: Thanks for the successful play. It hasn’t all been easy. I am running again to keep my seat because I still enjoy my job. The people are great to work with and I want bigger and better things for the organizations I belong to. Three I’d like to mention are the Black History Month Committee, which is coming up on 20 years in the court system; The Civil Court Gender Committee that I Co-Chair and have some exciting new projects planned. We just hosted chess in the courts. A 14-year old young lady taught chess, and beat a court officer and a judge; and the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).  I always look forward to SYEP and I am committed to this program.

Eagle: Do you have opponents for the Civil Court Judge’s seat, and who will make the ultimate selection?

Sheares: I have opponents for this Civil Court Seat.  The registered Democrats in the Borough of Brooklyn will make the ultimate decision that EXPERIENCE MATTERS!!!

Eagle: What will be your judicial district?

Sheares: The judicial district is Kings County, the entire Borough of Brooklyn, like the Brooklyn District Attorney race.

Eagle: I know that you’ve received awards for your civic service. What are some of the organizations you belong to and activities you perform within the community?

Sheares: To name three: Brownstoners of Bedford Stuyvesant – School read on the first Monday of the month. I read to students or have students read to me; Church Women United (CWU) – We are in the process of making a thousand dresses out of pillow cases and sending them to Africa; and National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Brooklyn Section – Harambee – an award celebration, celebrating young people ages 10 to 18.  And also the Annual Health Fair in Central Brooklyn in conjunction with other organizations and countless speaking engagements. I guess that’s four.

Eagle: Do you feel that your background as a native New Yorker brings something unique to the bench that has been missing?

Sheares: I know my experience as a native New Yorker, specifically Brooklyn, brings something unique to the bench I cannot say that something is/was missing but I can say that it was different. I am not known as the community Judge for nothing. I’m known as the community Judge because I show up.

Eagle: I know that faith and religion play an important part in your life. How will that help guide you in your continuing role as a Civil Court Judge?

Sheares: My faith and my religion play an important part in my life because I am able to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly.

Eagle: What more do you hope to accomplish as a Civil Court Judge?

Sheares: I hope to continue my reputation for integrity in the community.

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