New York City

Suzanne Adams appointed administrative judge for Manhattan’s Supreme Court, civil term

October 25, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor
Hon. Suzanne J. Adams, newly appointed administrative judge for the Civil Term of New York County Supreme Court, previously served in Brooklyn Family Court and brings extensive judicial experience to one of the state’s busiest civil courts. Photo courtesy of the NYS Unified Court System
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Hon. Suzanne Adams has been appointed administrative judge for the Civil Term of New York County Supreme Court, taking on leadership of one of the state’s busiest civil courts on Nov. 4.

A respected figure in New York’s legal community, Adams will manage court operations and oversee the efficient handling of Manhattan’s civil docket. She takes over from Judge Adam Silvera, who now serves as deputy chief administrative judge for New York City Courts.

Adams has served in various judicial capacities, including as a Family Court judge in Brooklyn and as an acting Supreme Court justice in Manhattan’s Supreme Court, Civil Term. Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas praised her “fairness, sound judgment and leadership abilities,” and added that her commitment to diversity and access to justice will serve the court well.

“I am honored by this appointment and grateful to Chief Judge Wilson, Presiding Justice Renwick, Judges Zayas and St. George, and Deputy Chief Administrative Judges Edwina G. Richardson, James P. Murphy and Adam Silvera for their confidence in my abilities to lead this prestigious court,” Adams said. 

“I look forward to working with the Unified Court System’s judicial leadership team and the New York County Supreme Court-Civil Term’s judges, non-judicial staff, and justice partners in ensuring the fair and timely resolution of civil matters before the Court and optimizing court operations and services to enhance access to justice for all, regardless of need,” Adams continued.

Adams’ contributions extend beyond the bench. As a board member of the Columbian Lawyers Association, she has helped organize the renowned Rapallo-Scalia Awards Luncheon, an event honoring distinguished members of the legal community. Her work in this role has strengthened ties within the profession and highlighted her dedication to promoting Italian-American heritage in the law.

Adams is also a mentor to aspiring legal professionals through initiatives like the New York County Special Masters Diversity Program and the Richard Failla LGBTQ+ Commission. Her dedication to pro bono service and commitment to opening pathways to the legal field for underrepresented communities have earned her multiple awards.

Chief Administrative Judges Zayas and St. George also recognized Judge Silvera’s leadership over the past three years, expressing appreciation for his “steady guidance” and continued contributions to the New York City courts.

“We are grateful to Judge Silvera for his steady guidance and numerous contributions as administrative judge over the last three years, including his continued service in this role over the past weeks in addition to his new responsibilities as deputy chief administrative judge for the New York City Courts,” Zayas said.





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