Celebrating a stellar judicial career: Justice Donald Scott Kurtz retires

March 8, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Justice Donald Kurtz (center) with friends and colleagues, Hon. Lawrence Knipel (left) and Hon. Mark Partnow, at the retirement party for Justice Kurtz in Downtown Brooklyn last month.
Brooklyn Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo

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After an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Justice Donald Kurtz retired at the end of last year, marking the end of a distinguished tenure that has significantly impacted the Kings County Supreme Court.

Justice Kurtz’s judicial journey began in 2000 with his election as a Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York, a position in which he adeptly managed over 100 jury trials and numerous non-jury trials. In 2006, Justice Kurtz’s expertise and dedication led him to the Kings County Supreme Court, where he initially presided over the Central Compliance Part, the Default Judgment Part and the Early Settlement Part.

Recognizing his exceptional ability to settle cases and his esteemed reputation among both plaintiffs’ and defense bars, Hon. Theodore Jones, the then-administrative judge, appointed Justice Kurtz to the Jury Coordinating Part. Judge Kurtz compared that experience to the captain of a ship, navigating the “controlled chaos” of managing civil cases ready for trial.

Throughout his tenure in the Supreme Court, Justice Kurtz was known for his even temperament, a quality he credits to the Hon. Sebastian Leone, under whom he clerked for nearly 15 years. Justice Kurtz believed in maintaining calm and reasonableness in the courtroom, a practice that, coupled with his negotiation skills, facilitated the resolution of countless cases. His approach was simple yet effective: to know when to be firm and when flexibility could lead to a settlement, thus ensuring the best outcomes for those involved.

Justice Kurtz shares his life with his wife, Nina Kurtz, a retired attorney and Court Referee formerly in the Kings County Supreme Court, and their two children, Jamie and Sarah, who are following in their parents’ footsteps in finance and law, respectively.

Justice Kurtz, a Brooklyn native, has always been closely connected to his community, from his education in the New York City public school system to his graduation from Brooklyn College and Brooklyn Law School. His decision to pursue a legal career was inspired by his wife. Outside the courtroom, Justice Kurtz enjoys boating and golf, and he’s an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, a passion he shares with his family.

Justice Kurtz, who graduated from Brooklyn College and Brooklyn Law School, transitions to his new role with NAM (National Arbitration and Mediation), where he hopes his extensive experience can help clients find resolutions.