Hon. Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick appointed as NY Court’s Independent Monitor on racial bias

August 11, 2023 Rob Abruzzese

Judge Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick will spearhead Racial Bias monitoring in NY Courts.
Photo: Rob Abruzzese/Eagle

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Former Court of Appeals Judge Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick has been chosen as the New York court system’s independent monitor on racial bias. The announcement prompted Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, to laud her rich history of legal service and commitment to justice.

“The New York State Bar Association applauds the appointment of Judge Ciparick,” stated Lewis. “With her deep roots in the Criminal Courts and the Court of Appeals, her historical appointment as the first Latina judge on the Court of Appeals and her clear dedication to justice, she is undoubtedly the right choice to guide the court system through the changes necessitated by the U.S. Supreme Court decision on affirmative action.”

For many familiar with Judge Ciparick’s illustrious career, this appointment comes as no surprise. Born in New York City in 1942, Ciparick’s journey, one marked by resilience and dedication, began in Washington Heights. Her education culminated in a graduation from Hunter College in 1963 and receiving her J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law in 1967.

Starting as a staff attorney with The Legal Aid Society in New York City in the late ’60s, Judge Ciparick swiftly rose through the ranks. She served crucial roles within the New York State Court System, such as chief law assistant of the Criminal Court, before her groundbreaking appointment as the first Puerto Rican woman judge in the state in 1978.

Her tenure on the bench has been highlighted by well-reasoned, impactful decisions, reflecting her unwavering commitment to justice. Cases like “Mercury Bay Boating Club Inc. v. San Diego Yacht Club” and “Hope v. Perales” bear testament to her ability to address challenging legal issues head-on.

But beyond her professional achievements, Ciparick has been a beacon for young, aspiring attorneys, especially those from diverse backgrounds. In her chambers, she has created a nurturing environment, mentoring countless law clerks over the years, instilling in them values of social and racial justice, while also emphasizing the solemnity and restraint required in the judiciary.

Her dedication to justice extends beyond her courtroom. Judge Ciparick has been an active contributor in various civic roles, including serving on the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct and holding memberships in both the New York State Bar Association and the Puerto Rican Bar Association.