Diana Colón appointed as chief of staff to the first deputy chief administrative judge

September 26, 2023 Rob Abruzzese

Diana Colón, newly appointed Chief of Staff to the First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge, brings her extensive expertise to the forefront of New York State Courts.
Photo courtesy of the Office of Court Administration

Share this:

Court veteran Diana Colón, celebrated for her extensive expertise and dedication to justice, will step into a new role as Chief of Staff to the First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge of New York State Courts, effective Sept. 28, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas and First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George announced on Monday.

Colón, an attorney with an extensive background in court administration, will assume a pivotal role in assisting Judge St. George. Her duties encompass the gamut of court operations: from the development and monitoring of policies and procedures to the management of staff and budget preparations. She will also be in the lead on special projects and provide crucial analyses on a spectrum of court management-related policies, programs, and matters.

“Diana Colón brings an abundance of skills, knowledge, experience and energy to this important, highly demanding post,” said Chief Administrative Judge Zayas.

“She is a skilled attorney and adept manager who has earned a reputation within the Office of Court Administration and beyond for her exceptional judgment, work ethic and collaborative approach. She has been a tremendous resource and support to OCA over the past two decades. I am delighted that the New York State Courts will continue to benefit from her hard work and expertise in her new capacity.”

First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge St. George echoed these sentiments, highlighting her sterling reputation.

“I could not be more pleased to announce Diana Colón’s appointment as my new Chief of Staff,” said Judge St. George.

“Diana is a proven leader as demonstrated by her long, impressive list of accomplishments in her previous roles within OCA’s Office of the Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives, where she devised policies and spearheaded programs aimed at enhancing access to the courts and the quality of justice in New York.

“She has a firm grasp of the myriad issues impacting court operations, is thoroughly dedicated to eliminating barriers to justice, and places a high value on collaboration and relationship-building. I am thrilled to have her on our team and look forward to working with her in this new capacity.”

Diana Colón expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for the role.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve as Chief of Staff to First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George,” Colón said.

“I am very excited for the wonderful opportunity to provide operational and administrative support to the court system’s leadership in furtherance of the advancement of the court system’s essential mission to deliver equal justice under the law in a just, fair and timely manner.”

Before this appointment, Ms. Colón held two concurrent positions within OCA’s Office of the Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives. As Director of the Office’s Judiciary Legal Services Division, she managed the oversight of the New York State Judiciary’s $97.5 million grant program, which consists of 81 civil legal services grantees. In tandem, as Assistant Deputy Counsel in the OCA’s Division of Professional and Court Services, she was instrumental in launching an Online Dispute Resolution pilot project for small claims cases in New York City Civil Court.

Her rich career trajectory also includes a tenure in the Office of the Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives, where she crafted strategies for ensuring unrepresented litigants had fair access to the courts. On her contributions, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Edwina G. Richardson-Mendelson remarked, “Diana’s passion for justice, combined with her wisdom and intellect, has been a guiding force in our initiatives. We expect her to shine even brighter in her new position.”

Diana Colón began her legal journey at the prestigious New York City law firm of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. During her time there, she twice received the Pro Bono Service Award. She later transitioned into solo practice in New York City, representing clients across a variety of legal disciplines.

A double Ivy-league graduate, Ms. Colón holds a degree from Columbia College, Columbia University, and a law degree from Harvard Law School.