New York Law School appoints Justice Carolyn Walker-Diallo as Senior Fellow

April 12, 2023 Robert Abruzzese

Justice Carolyn Walker-Diallo, the Administrative Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York, has taken on the role of senior fellow at New York Law School. Eagle file photo by Mario Belluomo.

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Justice Carolyn Walker-Diallo will begin teaching a unique workshop series this summer called “Behind the Bench.” Eagle file photo by Mario Belluomo.

CITYWIDE — New York Law School announced last week that it has appointed Justice Carolyn Walker-Diallo as a Senior Fellow in the Law and Leadership Institute.

The judge will begin teaching a unique workshop series this summer called “Behind the Bench” to students. The comprehensive program will be conducted by Justice Walker-Diallo and special guest instructors from the bench and legal practice, focusing on the skills needed to excel in the profession and find the right career in the judiciary.

Dean and President of NY Law School, Anthony Crowell, described Justice Walker-Diallo as an embodiment of excellence and professionalism, dedicated to serving others and deeply committed to equality and justice. He expressed gratitude for her generosity in sharing her time and wisdom with the next generation of legal leaders.

“Justice Walker-Diallo exemplifies excellence and professionalism,” Crowell said. “She has dedicated herself to a life in service to others and possesses a deep and abiding commitment to equality and justice.

“Our law school has an extraordinary legacy of alumni serving on the bench, and in many positions throughout the judiciary. This will be a vital opportunity for students to learn why this is such an exceptional career pathway directly from a distinguished judge and alumna. We are grateful Justice Walker-Diallo is giving so generously of her time and wisdom to the next generation of leaders in our profession.”

The “Behind the Bench” Workshop Series will cover various topics, including an introduction to the judiciary as a career path and pathways to the bench, an exploration of how judges employ legal, conflict resolution, problem-solving, consensus-building, and decision-making skills, and an examination of the diverse and rewarding internship opportunities and careers within the judiciary. Students will also participate in small group mentoring, discussions about desired qualities in a legal candidate, and mock interviews.

Justice Walker-Diallo serves as a New York State Supreme Court Justice for Kings County and Administrative Judge of the New York City Civil Court. Elected to the Civil Court in 2015, she is the first Muslim judge in New York State and quickly rose through the ranks of the court system.

She has held positions as a Criminal Court Judge in Brooklyn and a Civil Court Judge in Manhattan before her appointment as Supervising Judge of Kings County Civil Court in Dec. 2018. In Aug. 2021, she was promoted to Administrative Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York, overseeing daily administration and operations across the five boroughs. In November 2021, she was elected as a State Supreme Court Justice.

Justice Walker-Diallo’s diverse legal background includes roles at Milbank LLP, the New York City Law Department, Brooklyn Community Services, and the George Walker Jr. Community Coalition, Inc.

As Administrative Judge of the Civil Court, she established the first-ever comprehensive city-wide Civil Court Training Program for newly elected Civil Court Judges and those transitioning from other courts.

Justice Walker-Diallo is a frequent presenter at the New York State Judicial Institute on civil law matters and is actively involved in community-based and civic organizations. She is a mediator, having been trained through the New York Peace Institute in 2011.Justice Walker-Diallo is a graduate of the Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College, and New York Law School. During her time at New York Law School, she held leadership positions in various student organizations and served as executive notes and comments editor for the school’s Journal of Human Rights.