Courts and Law

After long and distinguished career on bench, Judge Mark Partnow begins a new chapter

Becomes senior partner in wall street firm, Liakas Law

April 12, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff
Liakas Law Partners, Stephen J. Liakas, Esq., Dean N Liakas, Esq., Hon. Mark I. Partnow, Esq. & Nicholas Liakas, Esq. Photo courtesy of Liakas Law
Liakas Law Partners, Stephen J. Liakas, Esq., Dean N Liakas, Esq., Hon. Mark I. Partnow, Esq. & Nicholas Liakas, Esq. Photo courtesy of Liakas Law
Share this:

EAGLE: Having served in the judiciary for more than four decades, you surely have broad experience in the increasing complexities of modern urban life from a litigious point of view. But do you also feel some of your non-judicial experience in community activism, politics, and general practice of law remains a major part of your acquired wisdom?

 

PARTNOW: I firmly believe that a judge sits on the bench: not just as an experienced attorney nor an accomplished businessperson, an academician, or a political junkie. He sits as a judge, bringing the totality of a life experience. All of that life experience is what a good, smart and caring judge is all about. Now, as a retired judge, I can tell you that’s my opinion. Ask 10 judges, and you may get 12 opinions. That’s the richness that a diverse and eclectic judiciary brings to our system of justice. We should celebrate the diversity of life experiences that got us each to the bench!

Subscribe to our newsletters

 

EAGLE: Many readers may not be aware of the different levels of our justice system. Because you have served in several branches, culminating in New York State Supreme for most of your career, where do you see most of the ‘wear and tear’ and the need to address backlogs?

 

PARTNOW: In my experience, the most ‘wear and tear’ I have observed as a judge is on the victims of another’s wrongdoing.

People who suffer personal injury caused by another must continue to pay the rent, their medical care, food — all the expenses of life. Creditors don’t call a timeout! Bills don’t stop just because you cannot work. I’ve seen that is an area where insurance companies pressure litigants to settle their personal injury case for way less than it may be worth. Most people just can’t afford to wait for the resolution of their case, which may be years away. That’s yet another reason why choosing skilled and experienced counsel is so important for litigants.

This is particularly true for accident victims, who are exactly the people my new firm, Liakas Law, represents. As a judge, I did whatever I could to demonstrate compassion for persons who have been injured, and moving over to the role of directly advocating for those who have been hurt is such a natural progression for me.

 

EAGLE: A retired justice of the New York State Supreme Court, now working in the private sector, might be viewed as moving to a more powerful position to make the wheels of justice turn. In other words, in direct service to clients, you might be able to get more cases moved than you ever could inside the system.

Would you agree or disagree, and would you comment on that?

 

PARTNOW: Moving to a more powerful position? I’m flattered by the thought, I think, but nothing is as powerful as a bright, engaged judge being able to make decisions impacting a person’s life and liberty, to mete out justice, to temper justice with mercy! That’s power that must be utilized with sobriety and seriousness of purpose. I have been blessed in my years on the bench to see great examples of this every day in my wonderful colleagues who served on the bench with me.

 

EAGLE: Would you offer any comments about the growth of the office of court administration, which seems to make more bureaucracy — not less — thereby hindering the speed of judges who work to move cases quickly through the system?

 

PARTNOW: I have no specific comment on the Office of Court Administration. They are the administrative arm of our judiciary and serve an important purpose. However, the issues of how the courts should run would be done by the Administrative Judges in each courthouse, both civil and criminal. I know for a fact that, certainly, here in Kings County, we have great, dedicated and highly experienced Administrative Judges who know perfectly how to administer their responsibilities.

 

EAGLE: Your whole family is deeply involved in public service and community activism. Surely, the insights you have gained from this involvement have enhanced your effectiveness on the bench. Can you comment on the assets brought to the wisdom of the bench by a judge with community roots?

 

PARTNOW: Great question. I am blessed with an incredible family now, including two adorable grandchildren. I and my wonderful wife, Sue Ann, come from families of service to our communities. When we met a long time ago, it was when we found ourselves volunteering and performing community service for others. Two peas in a pod? Likely so. And proudly, our children have kept, fresh and active, the mantle of public service and giving back. And that includes our wonderful daughter-in-law and future daughter-in-law. The truth is giving back enriches the giver even more than the recipient. Try it; it’s you who benefit and have a fulfilled heart and a deeper life.

 

EAGLE: Regarding community roots, can we share with readers parts of your Brooklyn biography that help define you: where you grew up, attended school and first discovered public service?

 

PARTNOW: I’m just a kid from Brooklyn who grew up in Canarsie, a product of great public schools, Brooklyn College and the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law. I believe we all win when we invest in public education! I benefited the very most of all by being blessed with loving and caring parents, Rose and Hyman Partnow, now in Heaven, and whom I thank every day. Bringing up my beloved parents makes me want to pass along some of their great lessons: Education. Education. Education. Read to your kids and grandchildren. Hug them and each other every day. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Every day is precious. Take nothing for granted.

 

EAGLE: Those who praise you personally recall a schedule in which you were often running or attending Continuing Legal Education (CLE) events at bar associations while your wife, who runs one of Brooklyn’s busiest community boards, would be overseeing a controversial community board hearing. Our question: when do you get to see your grandchildren?

 

PARTNOW: I get to see my grandchildren many times a week! My wife Sue Ann and I are lucky to have our children and grandkids living in our neighborhood. That is what enables me to attend and sometimes teach Continuing Legal Education courses and participate in many other professional events. Sue Ann and her team run the Community Board and do so quite well. I hope I ran a fair, just and compassionate bench whereby all people were shown respect. My fervent wish is to continue to contribute to my new role in private practice representing injured persons. Remember, it indeed takes a village, and I feel part of a great one!

 

EAGLE: While it is clear you will remain active in some of your legal and civic connections, do you have a special parting thought for the huge community of lawyers and judges in Brooklyn with whom you worked so many years?

 

PARTNOW: My parting thought is this: I’m leaving the bench, yes, but not leaving this world of law and justice. The study of law and the pursuit of justice are things I have fought daily to improve and nurture for over forty years. In my new role as a senior partner at the Liakas Law Firm, I will be able to continue to spend quality time in the courts, advocating every day for justice for those who have suffered. While representing seriously injured individuals as the plaintiff’s counsel is a new perspective, the larger role of seeking justice in every way remains at my core. It remains my essence, truly part of my DNA. Therefore, I encourage my friends in the bar and, indeed, the public to reach out to me if I and my new firm may assist you or your clients in their quest for justice. As always, I’m here to help!


Leave a Comment

Related Articles

Leave a Comment