Justice Knipel noted the significant growth of the BWBA in recent years and expressed his enthusiasm for attending its events. He updated members on the court’s return to normal operations post-COVID, highlighting changes in protocol such as now requiring only one party’s consent for in-person oral arguments. He also mentioned the implementation of at least one motion a day per judge to maintain regular court proceedings.

The Justice proudly spoke about the state’s first Labor Law part, overseen by Judge Devin Cohn, and the structured approach similar to the Medical Malpractice Part, ensuring comprehensive case handling from inception to completion.

Addressing staffing changes, Knipel revealed the court would be down eight judges by January, expressing hope for more acting “supremes” to be assigned. He also discussed the movement of foreclosure auctions from outdoors to a more controlled indoor environment.

In terms of backlogs, Justice Knipel acknowledged routine backlogs due to various reasons, including judges retiring and taking accumulated annual leave. However, he noted that specific backlogs, like uncontested matters, were being efficiently cleared.

The event saw a remarkable turnout from Judge Lawrence Knipel’s colleagues, who attended in support of their friend and boss. Among the notable attendees was Justice Carl Landicino, recently appointed to the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department. 

Reflecting on Justice Knipel’s leadership and camaraderie, Justice Landicino shared a telling anecdote about Knipel’s hands-on approach during a heavy snowstorm, where he was seen shoveling snow in the parking lot. 

“Everyone told me that it wasn’t my job, but when I took that shovel and started shoveling, it embarrassed everyone and they all started helping,” Justice Knipel said laughing as he explained Judge Landicino’s anecdote.

Landicino highlighted Knipel’s unique style of leadership — he manages one of the largest caseloads in the country, yet he leads with humility and collaboration, preferring to ask rather than command his colleagues on the bench. 

This approach, according to Landicino, is why many judges, including himself, hold Justice Knipel in such high regard and came out to support him during this event.

He also delved into his personal hobbies, revealing his passion for playing guitar, inspired by his friend Judge Matthew D’Emic, administrative judge of the Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term. Knipel humorously recounted how he started learning guitar at the age of 60, finding it a significant stress reliever.

“When I turned 60 years old, my kids bought me guitar lessons,” Knipel recalled. “I thought, ‘Are you crazy? I’m 60 years old and now is not the time to start.’ Now I’m a guitar player, I’m not the best, but I am enthusiastic.

“I was inspired by my great friend Judge D’Emic, across the street,” Knipel said. “He’s not professional, but he’s been in a band for decades and it is great fun. It is a stress reliever. Playing guitar, going out for a walk, it’s a stress relief.”