Panel of court attorneys offers guidance on trial court navigation in Brooklyn

November 20, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

From left to right: Danielle Menendez, Jay Kim, Christine Ortiz, Steven Cohen, Natasha Delille and moderator Natoya McGhie, the panel of experienced court attorneys who led the Brooklyn Bar Association's Continuing Legal Education seminar, "Practicing in the Kings County Trial Courts: From the Court Attorney's Perspective," on Nov. 19, 2024. The discussion provided attendees with insights into trial court practices, including court rules, motion etiquette and pretrial procedures. Photos courtesy of Natoya McGhie

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The Brooklyn Bar Association (BBA) held a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminar titled “Practicing in the Kings County Trial Courts: From the Court Attorney’s Perspective” on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at its Brooklyn Heights headquarters.

Moderated by Natoya McGhie, treasurer of the BBA, the event brought together a distinguished panel of court attorneys to provide insights into trial court practices in Kings County.

The panel featured Danielle Menendez, Jay Kim, Christine Ortiz, Natasha Delille and Steven Cohen. The session aimed to equip attorneys with a deeper understanding of court rules and procedures, motion practice, discovery, and trial conduct, among other topics.

The panel covered essential topics such as the rules of each court, part procedures, and practical advice on effectively navigating pretrial conferences, settlement negotiations and voir dire. The speakers shared their experiences and offered valuable tips to help attendees better understand the nuances of court practice. The program concluded with an engaging Q&A session.

Danielle Menendez, the principal law clerk to Justice Pamela L. Fisher in Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term, brought a wealth of knowledge to the panel. A graduate of West Virginia University and New York Law School, Menendez began her legal career representing the New York City Administration for Children’s Services in child abuse and neglect cases. She also serves on the Committee on Character and Fitness for the Second, Tenth, Eleventh and Thirteenth Judicial Districts and is active in several bar associations.

Jay Kim, who serves as the principal law clerk to Justice Dena E. Douglas in Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, shared his extensive experience in public service. Kim’s career includes roles as senior counsel in the NYC Law Department’s Tort and Labor & Employment Divisions and as an agency attorney for the New York City Department of Education. He has also clerked for judges at the New York State Court of Appeals, including the late Justice Theodore T. Jones and Justice Jenny Rivera.

Christine Ortiz, the principal law clerk to Justice Gina Levy Abadi in Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term, provided insights drawn from her wide-ranging experience. Ortiz has served in Criminal Court, Civil Court, and the Supreme Court matrimonial parts and currently works as a Small Claims Arbitrator. A graduate of Columbia University and CUNY School of Law, Ortiz is an active member of multiple professional organizations, including the Brooklyn Bar Association and the Puerto Rican Bar Association.

Natasha Delille, the associate court attorney to Judge Inga O’Neale in Civil Court, shared her expertise from her diverse legal background. Delille has held positions in Criminal Court and as a law clerk to Justice Wavny Toussaint. Before joining the judiciary, she practiced immigration law and developed advanced cross-cultural communication skills during her time living and working abroad in Austria, India, and Spain. Delille has also been a leader in the Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York and is deeply involved in community and church activities.

Steven Cohen, an associate court attorney to Judge Javier Ortiz in Kings County Civil Court, brought his experience from private practice to the panel. Prior to his current role, Cohen, an NYU School of Law graduate, litigated employee benefits and consumer class actions, securing millions in recoveries for retirees and consumers.

Natoya McGhie, who moderated the discussion, is the principal court attorney to Hon. Jane Tully in Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term. A former trial attorney with the Legal Aid Society, McGhie has represented clients in numerous felony and misdemeanor cases. In addition to her role as treasurer of the Brooklyn Bar Association, she serves on the boards of the Caribbean American Lawyers Association and other professional organizations and is a past president of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association.