Justice Bianka Perez joins appellate term, first department

November 28, 2023 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Justice Bianka Perez became the first person of Dominican descent to serve on the bench in NYS’ Appellate Term, First Department.
Photo courtesy of the Office for Court Administration

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Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas announced the appointment of Hon. Bianka Perez as associate justice of the Appellate Term of the Supreme Court, First Department, covering the First and Twelfth Judicial Districts.

Monday’s announcement marks Justice Perez as the first person of Dominican descent to serve on this appellate bench, a significant milestone in the state’s judicial history.

Justice Perez, who will be working under the leadership of Presiding Justice Shlomo Hagler, will be hearing appeals from the Civil and Criminal Courts in Manhattan and Bronx counties. Her appointment follows the recent elevation of Hon. Marsha Michael to the State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division, First Department.

Chief Administrative Judge Zayas praised Justice Perez for her dedication and exemplary service, noting her reputation for high standards, collegiality, and hard work. Her extensive experience in both criminal and civil matters and her passion for the law are expected to greatly benefit the Appellate Term bench.

In response to her appointment, Justice Perez acknowledged the support of her family, including her mother, husband, and daughters, in her journey to becoming the first-generation lawyer in her family and now the first Justice of Dominican descent at the Appellate Term, First Department.

Justice Perez committed to using her role to empower the community and future public servants, vowing to listen, consider, and decide cases with fairness and impartiality.

“It is an honor to be appointed to the Appellate Term, First Department, and to serve our community of the Bronx in the People’s Court,” said Justice Perez. “I know I didn’t get here alone. With the help of my loving and courageous mom, my wonderful husband, and my girls, I am not only the first-generation lawyer in my family but also now the first justice of Dominican descent to be appointed to the Appellate Term, First Department. I want to thank Chief Administrative Judge Zayas.

“I remain committed to using my example and trajectory to empower our community and future generations of public servants. I promise to listen courteously to the litigants, and in the words of Socrates, ‘to answer wisely, to consider soberly, and to decide impartially.’”

Justice Perez’s judicial career is marked by significant milestones. Elected to the State Supreme Court in Bronx County in 2020, she has presided over a variety of cases, including those in the Civil Term and Criminal Court.

Her journey to the bench began as an associate at the New York City law firm of Ginarte, O’Dwyer, Winograd & Laracuente, followed by roles as commissioner for the Board of Elections of the City of New York and as an Administrative Law Judge at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).

A graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice and New York Law School, Justice Perez has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Dominican Day Parade Ambassador of Justice Medal and the Dominican Bar Association Judicial Excellence Award. Her commitment extends beyond the courtroom, evidenced by her past presidency of the Dominican Bar Association and her current role as an adjunct professor at Monroe College.