Legal community gathers to honor newly-inducted Judge Betsey Jean-Jacques

February 29, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

In the ceremony's defining moment, Judge Betsey Jean-Jacques is sworn in by Hon. Francois Rivera, surrounded by peers and family.
Photos: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle

Full slideshow below

Hon. Betsey Jean-Jacques was officially inducted as a judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York during a ceremony at Sirico’s Caterers in Dyker Heights on Sunday, Feb. 4. Elected in November 2023, Jean-Jacques’ induction was performed by Hon. Francois Rivera.

The ceremony was hosted by Hon. Joanne Quinones with Julian Figueras leading the Pledge of Allegiance and the NYS Courts Ceremonial Unit presenting the colors. As a judge of Haitian decent, Jean-Jacques had Dara Darguste perform the Haitian National Anthem and Black National Anthem, celebrating her’ heritage and the diversity of New York City.

Speakers at the event included notable figures such as retired Kings County Democratic Party Chair Hon. Frank Seddio; District Leaders Arleny Alvarado-McCalla and Mark Hanna; and Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse. Testimonials were also given by Judge Janet McFarlane, Katrina Miller, and Alix and Valencia Pamphile.

Presiding over the ceremonial oath was Hon. Francois Rivera, who Jean-Jacques credits as one of her biggest mentors. Starting her legal career in 2007 with the Mental Hygiene Legal Service, Appellate Division, Second Department, Jean-Jacques tried more than 1,200 cases before joining Rivera in 2018 as his principal law clerk.

“A simple thank you will never be enough to express the love and gratitude I have for my parents, Roseline and Francois Jean-Jacques, who have supported me all the days of my life,” Judge Jean-Jacques said. “This moment is not only mine, but it is our day. Let us rejoice and be glad because God is good.”

Judge Jean-Jacques is currently serving as the president of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Kings County.