Mayor Adams bolsters Brooklyn judiciary with key appointments

January 24, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Photo: Paul Frangipane/Brooklyn Eagle

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In a move that reinforces the judicial strength of Brooklyn, Mayor Eric Adams has made strategic appointments and reappointments to the Family Court, Criminal Court and Civil Court. Among these, Brooklyn’s legal community stands out with several notable figures.

“Public safety and justice are the prerequisites to prosperity, and the judges I’m appointing and reappointing today are deeply committed to both,” said Mayor Adams. “Ensuring that our courts have the judges they need to operate smoothly, efficiently, and effectively will help us continue to reverse the bottlenecks that resulted from the pandemic and that has delayed justice for too many.”

Leading the appointments is Judge Ben Darvil, reappointed to Family Court. Initially appointed as an interim Civil Court judge in 2016 and then to Family Court in 2017, Judge Darvil has made significant contributions, including his work with the New York City Administration for Children’s Services and as a law clerk to the Honorable John M. Leventhal (Ret.).

Judge Cynthia Lopez, appointed to Family Court, brings extensive experience, having served as borough chief of the Brooklyn Family Court Legal Services. Her career spans various roles in the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, enriching her perspective on family law.

Mayor Eric Adams recently announced a series of significant judicial appointments and reappointments, spotlighting key legal figures in Brooklyn, including Judge Ben Darvil, Jr. (pictured here), Judge Cynthia Lopez, Judge Emily Ruben, Judge Mary Bejarano, Judge Kathryn Paek, and Judge Joanne Watters.Photo: Robert Abruzzese/Brooklyn Eagle — Mayor Eric Adams recently announced a series of significant judicial appointments and reappointments, spotlighting key legal figures in Brooklyn, including Judge Ben Darvil, Jr. (pictured here), Judge Cynthia Lopez, Judge Emily Ruben, Judge Mary Bejarano, Judge Kathryn Paek, and Judge Joanne Watters.
Photo: Robert Abruzzese/Brooklyn Eagle

Judge Emily Ruben, reappointed to Family Court, boasts a diverse legal background. Her tenure at The Legal Aid Society’s Brooklyn Neighborhood Office and her expertise in matrimonial law and trusts and estates make her an asset to the judiciary.

In the Criminal Court, Mayor Adams reappointed Judge Mary Bejarano, who has served since January 2018. Her journey from a Queens County assistant district attorney to operating her solo practice, and her time at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, showcases her versatile legal acumen.

Judge Kathryn Paek, serving as a Criminal Court judge since February 2015, was also reappointed. Her roles at The Legal Aid Society in Kings County and as a principal court attorney to a Kings County Supreme Court justice reflect her deep commitment to justice.

Judge Joanne Watters, appointed as a Criminal Court judge in December 2015, currently serves as supervising judge in Criminal Court, Queens County. Her experience, from working with the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office to supervising court attorney in Kings County Criminal Court, adds valuable perspective to her role.

In addition to the prominent Brooklyn judges, Mayor Adams’ judicial appointments include several other esteemed legal professionals.

Judge Anthony Battisti, appointed to Criminal Court, brings years of experience as a Queens County assistant district attorney and private practitioner. Judge Diego Freire, also appointed to Criminal Court, has a rich background with The Legal Aid Society’s Queens County Criminal Defense Practice. Judge Craig Ortner, another Criminal Court appointee, served with the New York County District Attorney’s Office, contributing his extensive legal knowledge. In Civil Court, Judge Grace Oboma-Layat’s appointment follows her 19-year tenure with The Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice.