Supreme Court Justice Joanne Quiñones advocates for diversity in the courts

April 12, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Justice Joanne Quiñones, pictured here being installed by Hon. Hector LaSalle as a Kings County Supreme Court justice this past February, is a proud advocate for diversity within the legal system. Her commitment to equity and inclusion is a cornerstone of her judicial philosophy, influenced by her upbringing in Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Justice Joanne Quiñones, pictured here being installed by Hon. Hector LaSalle as a Kings County Supreme Court justice this past February, is a proud advocate for diversity within the legal system. Her commitment to equity and inclusion is a cornerstone of her judicial philosophy, influenced by her upbringing in Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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In a recent episode of the podcast “Amici,” produced by the NYS Court System and hosted on SoundCloud, Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Joanne Quiñones shared insights into her upbringing and judicial philosophy.

Justice Quiñones, who hails from the historically impoverished neighborhood of Bushwick, emphasized how her diverse childhood environment shaped her commitment to equity and inclusion in the legal profession.

“Growing up in a neighborhood where there were so many different people really made me more attuned to people — to our differences, our similarities,” said Justice Quiñones. “It made me more sensitive to people’s unique situations and really made me the person I am today who’s so committed to diversity, and equity, and inclusion.”

Appointed to the bench in 2010 by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and later confirmed as a judge of the NYS Court of Claims in 2022, Justice Quiñones has made significant strides in her career and was recently elected to the Supreme Court in 2023. She discussed the importance of visibility and representation in the judiciary, noting the profound impact of seeing diverse role models in influential positions.

“The number of Latino judges, much like the number of Asian judges, is still very, very small in comparison to our populations in New York City and New York State as a whole,” Quiñones said. “People need role models because you can’t be what you can’t see.”

Justice Quiñones also discussed her deep connection to her Puerto Rican heritage, which was prominently celebrated during her induction ceremony, showing off her pride and cultural identity. Throughout her career, she has actively participated in various judicial and community organizations, such as the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission and the Second Judicial District’s Equal Justice Committee, focusing on promoting fairness and eliminating bias within the courts.

Justice Quiñones attributes much of her work ethic and values to the influence of her parents, who emigrated from Puerto Rico to New York during their youth. Her mother, a dedicated employee of the Brooklyn Public Library, was the primary disciplinarian and a pivotal figure in encouraging Justice Quiñones’ educational pursuits. Her father, who worked lengthy double shifts in a factory, always stressed the importance of education and extracurricular activities.

“Being a judge is not just about what you do in the courthouse on the bench, but also about what you do in the community off the bench,” Quiñones said. “So I make time for what’s important to me, and what’s important to me is to be actively involved in organizations that promote diversity, equity and inclusion.”

The podcast episode delves into Justice Quiñones’ personal journey from a child in Bushwick to a respected judge in New York’s Supreme Court, reflecting on the transformative power of education and community support in her life. Her story is a testament to the importance of diversity and access to justice, reinforcing her dedication to fostering an inclusive environment within New York’s judicial system.

“I admire [Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson] both because they’re trailblazers; I admire them for their commitment to inspiring youth and encouraging future generations of lawyers and judges. And I admire them, quite frankly, for the unapologetic way that they stand by the importance of diverse perspectives in the judiciary.”

Listeners interested in the full conversation can access the episode online, where Justice Quiñones shares more about her experiences and the ongoing efforts to enhance diversity in the courts. This podcast provides a platform for significant discussions that influence the understanding and evolution of judicial practices in New York.

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