Judges and attorneys host webinar to demystify small claims court for New Yorkers

April 5, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Judge Lola Waterman, chair of the Brooklyn Bar Association’s Access to Justice Committee, warmly opens the webinar and welcomes the public to the webinar on navigating Small Claims Court. Screenshots via Zoom

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A comprehensive webinar titled “How to Navigate the Small Claims Court” was presented to the public via Zoom on Tuesday, March 12. This informative session was a collaboration between the Brooklyn Bar Association, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association and Antioch Baptist Brooklyn, a united front from the legal community to educate the public.

Judge Lola Waterman, chair of the Brooklyn Bar Association’s Access to Justice Committee, organized the event and explained the importance of understanding the Small Claims Court, known as “The People’s Court.”

“Oftentimes, when litigants step into the courtroom, there is uncertainty as to the various court personnel and what their roles are,” said Judge Waterman. “This program helped to explain the role of court clerks, arbitrators, referees and court attorneys. It also delved into the role of an attorney when a party retains one. Other topics included filing fees, arbitration vs. mediation, preparing for trial/inquests and appealing decisions.”

A screenshot from the webinar on the intricacies of Small Claims Court, hosted by the Brooklyn Bar Association, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association and Antioch Baptist Brooklyn during “How to Navigate the Small Claims Court.” — A screenshot from the webinar on the intricacies of Small Claims Court, hosted by the Brooklyn Bar Association, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association and Antioch Baptist Brooklyn.

The session was designed to explain the process and expectations of Small Claims Court, where individuals can sue for up to $5,000 in City Courts and $3,000 in Town and Village Courts for various disputes.

Highlighting its accessibility, the webinar stressed that no attorney is required to file a claim, making the court an invaluable resource for resolving minor disputes efficiently.

The panel of legal experts featured Ronald Cosme, a referee in the small claims court; Dawn Hill-Kearse, deputy chief clerk at the Brooklyn Civil Court; Turquoise Haskins, an arbitrator in Small Claims Court; attorney Richard Klass; and Court Attorney Jeffrey Estrella. Additionally, the event was co-sponsored by Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman and District Leaders Dionne Brown-Jordan, Michael Boomer, Arleny Alvarado McCalla, Henry Butler and Kenesha Trayham-Cooper.

Referee Ronald Cosme sharing his extensive experience and knowledge of the Small Claims Court during “How to Navigate the Small Claims Court.” — Referee Ronald Cosme sharing his extensive experience and knowledge of the Small Claims Court.

Hon. Dweynie Paul, the supervising judge of the Brooklyn Civil Court, which includes the Small Claims Court, was also included in the webinar. Her involvement provided attendees with a unique opportunity to hear directly from a key judicial figure overseeing the court’s operations. Judge Paul’s insights offered a deeper understanding of the court’s processes and the judiciary’s role in dispute resolution.

Participants received “A Guide to Small Claims & Commercial Small Claims in the New York State City, Town & Village Courts” from the NYS Unified Court System, covering the process from initiating a small claims case to collecting a judgment and locating the appropriate court for filing.

The guide also details alternatives to Small Claims Court, noting that every county in New York State offers free mediation services at community dispute resolution centers. Mediators, who are neutral parties, assist in facilitating discussions between disputing parties to reach a written agreement without court intervention.

For information on locating a community dispute resolution center nearby or the guide itself, individuals are encouraged to consult the court’s official website.