New Co-Chair announced for NY’s Permanent Commission on Access to Justice

October 4, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor
Professor Janet Sabel, newly appointed co-chair of the Permanent Commission on Access to Justice, brings nearly four decades of experience in public service and legal advocacy to her new role. Photo courtesy of the Office of Court Administration
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Chief Judge Rowan Wilson announced the appointment of Professor Janet Sabel as co-chair of the Permanent Commission on Access to Justice on Thursday. She will join Hon. Christina Ryba and Hon. Shahabuddeen Ally in leading the commission’s mission to address New York’s civil justice gap.

Sabel fills the vacancy left by the retirement of the commission’s founder, Helaine Barnett, who will remain involved as chair emerita.

“Ensuring access to legal services not only improves outcomes for those in dire need but also saves taxpayer dollars by averting myriad social ills. I cannot overstate the importance of the commission’s work in building a more robust and equitable New York,” said Chief Judge Wilson. 

“With decades of experience in creating and spearheading initiatives to enhance the delivery of justice to underserved communities in housing, family, health and other essential matters, Janet Sabel is an ideal person to help lead this crucial mission,” Wilson continued. “I am exceedingly grateful that she has agreed to serve as co-chair and am entirely confident that her advocacy and guidance will further the commission’s progress towards the goal of access to civil justice for all.”

The Permanent Commission on Access to Justice, established to address the needs of low-income and marginalized communities, is tasked with advising the judiciary on strategies to expand access to civil legal services. The commission’s efforts are seen as vital to narrowing New York’s justice gap, where the demand for free legal assistance often far exceeds the supply.

Sabel currently serves as the founding director of the Access to Justice Initiative at New York University School of Law’s Center on Civil Justice. She has nearly 40 years of experience advocating for social and economic justice, including a long tenure with the Legal Aid Society and eight years in the New York State Attorney General’s Office, where she served in key leadership roles.

The commission has been instrumental in supporting initiatives aimed at providing meaningful access to the courts, especially in areas such as housing, family law and consumer debt. Sabel’s extensive background and experience are expected to play a significant role in expanding these efforts.

Barnett, who served as the founding chair of the commission, was recognized by Chief Judge Wilson for her lifelong commitment to legal assistance for vulnerable New Yorkers. 

“We owe the commission’s status as a permanent entity to Helaine Barnett, whose perseverance, creativity and lifelong commitment to meaningful legal assistance for vulnerable New Yorkers has led to numerous reforms and initiatives to help close the civil justice gap in New York and the nation, impacting many thousands of lives for the better,” Wilson said.





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