Genine Edwards appointed administrative judge for Brooklyn Supreme Court, Civil Term

December 9, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Hon. Genine D. Edwards, recently appointed administrative judge of the Kings County Supreme Court’s Civil Term, is seen at the courthouse in Downtown Brooklyn. Edwards, a veteran jurist with nearly two decades on the bench, currently presides over the Medical Malpractice ADR Part and has been a leader in Brooklyn’s legal community through her roles with the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association and the Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the City of New York. Starting on January 2, 2025, she will oversee one of New York City’s busiest civil courts, succeeding Justice Lawrence Knipel, who will transition to managing a dedicated commercial part full-time. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

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Hon. Genine D. Edwards, a respected jurist and bar association leader, has been named administrative judge for the Kings County Supreme Court’s Civil Term in Brooklyn.

Her appointment, announced by Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas and First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George on Monday, will take effect on Jan. 2, 2025. Edwards will succeed Hon. Lawrence Knipel, who will preside over a dedicated commercial part full-time.

“I am honored for the opportunity to serve as Administrative Judge of Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term,” said Justice Edwards. “As the highest trial court in Kings County, it stands as a beacon for many who seek justice.”

Hon. Raymond Rodriguez, the newly appointed administrative judge of Richmond County Supreme Court, will oversee civil operations in Staten Island starting January 2, 2025, succeeding Justice Desmond Green. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

Edwards currently presides over the court’s Medical Malpractice ADR Part and brings extensive experience to her new role. A graduate of St. John’s University School of Law, Edwards began her legal career as an assistant corporation counsel with the New York City Law Department and later served as senior staff attorney at Cohen, Kuhn, and Associates.

Her judicial career began in 2005 when she was elected to the New York City Civil Court, where she served in Kings County. She was designated an acting Supreme Court Justice in 2015.

In addition to her judicial duties, Edwards has been deeply involved in the legal and Brooklyn communities. She is a vice president of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association and the Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the City of New York. She has chaired numerous court committees, hosted student interns, and moderated the “Lunch with a Judge” monthly meetings. Her dedication to mentoring and public outreach has left an impact on the borough’s legal landscape.

Edwards will oversee one of New York City’s busiest courts, ensuring fair and efficient resolution of cases. Her appointment has been praised for her leadership, commitment to access to justice, and vision for the court system.

Hon. Shahabuddeen Ally, now the administrative judge of New York City Civil Court, is the first person of South Asian descent to hold an administrative judicial role in New York City. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Robert Abruzzese

“Justice Knipel has been an outstanding leader, and I am committed to further advancing the progress he has made,” Justice Edwards continued. “I look forward to collaborating with the bench and bar to continue to ensure fair, timely, and efficient resolution of cases and accessibility for all who come before this court.”

Alongside Justice Edwards’ appointment, two other administrative roles were announced. Justice Shahabuddeen Ally, previously the supervising judge of New York County Civil Court, will succeed Justice Carolyn Walker-Diallo as administrative judge of New York City Civil Court. Ally’s appointment marks a historic moment as he becomes the first person of South Asian descent to hold an administrative judicial position in New York City.

Justice Raymond Rodriguez, who has been presiding in Kings County Supreme Court’s Criminal Term, will replace Justice Desmond Green as administrative judge for Richmond County Supreme Court in Staten Island.

“We are most fortunate to have three such distinguished jurists — all dynamic leaders — to fill these critically important administrative assignments,” said Chief Administrative Judge Zayas. “Each of these appointees brings enormous knowledge, energy, and vision to their new role. Along with their extensive judicial and administrative expertise, all are widely recognized for their deep commitment to the pursuit of equal justice and their ability to seek and implement innovative strategies to meet and advance the court system’s crucial mandate.”