What's New

Red Carpet Event – October 2023 (Buffalo)

Red Carpet event

The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission was proud to host a Red Carpet event honoring the students who were featured in a video sharing their perspectives on the Commission’s award-winning documentary, A Bridge to Justice: The Life of Franklin H. Williams. Two students were awarded scholarships for an essay contest about how they could contribute to Ambassador Franklin H. Williams’ legacy of advancing racial equity. The program also included a panel discussion on the importance of a multicultural education.

Red Carpet event

 Red Carpet event

Red Carpet event

 

Special Masters Swearing In Program

– November 2023 (New York County Surrogate’s Court)

Special Masters Program

The Special Masters Program was relaunched in 2021 with a focus on creating a pipeline for attorneys of color and other underrepresented communities to volunteer in the courts and inspire them to become judges. The program is a collaboration between the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, Unified Court System, New York County Lawyers Association and the Bronx County Bar Association. Special Masters work closely with an assigned Justice of the Supreme Court and assist with various tasks based on the needs of the Court. Tasks may include handling discovery conferences, settlement conferences, conducting legal research, drafting memos of law advising the Court on pretrial and trial issues, preparing written recommendations on resolving motions, etc. The Williams Commission recently a swearing in ceremony for its newest class of Special Masters on November 14, 2023.

class of 2023

Special Masters Swearing In Program

Special Masters Swearing In Program

Special Masters Swearing In Program

 Special Masters Swearing In Program

 Special Masters Swearing In Program

 Special Masters Swearing In Program

 Special Masters Swearing In Program

Special Masters Swearing In Program

 

Dismantling Systemic Racism in the Courts

FHWJC Town Hall meeting

Video | Transcript

The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, which is celebrating its Thirtieth Anniversary this year as a permanent commission in the New York State court system promoting racial and ethnic fairness in the courts, held a recent Town Hall to provide the court family an opportunity to engage in honest and meaningful dialogue with the goal of eradicating systemic racism and bias from our court system, discuss the implementation of the recommendations in Secretary Johnson’s Report, address issues faced by members of the court system and find possible solutions to those issues. Professor Deborah N. Archer, Professor of Clinical Law and Co-Faculty Director of the Center on Race Inequality and the Law at New York University School of Law, and a nationally recognized expert in civil rights and racial justice, served as the Town Hall’s keynote speaker.

 

Report from the Special Adviser on Equal Justice in the New York State Courts

Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson was appointed as Special Adviser by Chief Judge Janet DiFiore to conduct an independent review of issues of institutional racism in the New York Court System. After conducting an in-depth review of existing polices, practices and organizations within the New York State court system, Secretary Johnson has issued a detailed report with recommendations aimed at advancing diversity and inclusion within the court system and ensuring equal justice under the law. Recommendations include, among others: (1) establishing a “zero tolerance” discrimination policy that specifically addresses racial bias; (2) developing and mandating comprehensive bias training−with a strong focus on implicit bias, racial bias and cultural sensitivity−for judges and non-judicial employees alike; (3) implementing a social media policy; (4) implementing reform to address and alleviate issues of racial bias in jury selection and deliberation; (5) strengthening the court system’s mechanisms for making bias complaints, and raising awareness among court employees, litigants and other court users about the procedures in place to lodge a bias complaint; and (6) enhancing human resources practices to improve diversity and inclusion within the court system workforce. The report recognized the Commission’s efforts over the last three decades to address diversity and equal justice in the court system. The report endorsed the continued mission of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, recognizing the need for a broader platform, further incorporation into broader initiatives of the Office of Court Administration, increased consultation and face-time with court leadership and more funding in order to carry out its mission.

 

Judicial Friends Report on Systemic Racism in the New York Courts

The Judicial Friends Association, an association of Black and other minority judges, recently released a comprehensive Report on Systemic Racism in the New York Courts. The Report consists of a compilation of interviews and research regarding the perpetuation of systemic racism within the court system. The Report includes statistics detailing the number of Black judicial and non-judicial staff over the last several years, which indicate a lack of diversity in the court system, particularly in key positions of authority. In addition to identifying the sources of systemic racism and unconscious bias within the court’s existing policies and practices, the Report provides numerous recommendations to eliminate institutional racism and the effects of unconscious bias with the goal of fostering a more inclusive and welcoming court system.

 

Report of the Latino Judges Association

The Latino Judges Association, founded in 1988, works to increase diversity on the bench, encourage judicial service among Latinos, recognize achievements of Latino judges, and educate the public about the judicial system and the role of Latino judges. The LJA recently released a comprehensive report, which includes statistics detailing the number of Latino judges in the New York Courts over the last decade, and which found that Latinos were underrepresented in the judiciary, including administrative positions and various court Committees and Task Forces. The report included a number of recommendations with the goal of increasing judicial diversity and promoting equal justice and equal representation in the courts.

 

Pathways to Jury Diversity

Jury Diversity

Pathways to Jury Diversity Video

 

Civic Engagement and You

Civic Engagement Program

Civic Engagement Program Video

 

Invisible No More - the Eunice Carter Story

Eunice Carter Story

Video

The Commission, in collaboration with The Historical Society of the New York Courts and the NYS Unified Court System’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, hosted the webinar Invisible No More: The Eunice Carter Story, on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at 1:00 PM. This program showcased the life and career of Eunice Carter, both the first African American and first woman Assistant District Attorney in NYS. The program began with a talk by the authors of her biography Invisible: The Forgotten Story of the Black Woman Lawyer Who Took Down America’s Most Powerful Mobster, her grandson Prof. Stephen L. Carter and her great-granddaughter Leah Aird Carter, Esq. The program concluded with a panel discussion by prominent African American NYS Court Judges, featuring Hon. Dianne T. Renwick, our FHW Co-Chair, Hon. Troy K. Webber, and including Ms. Carter, moderated by Hon. Rowan D. Wilson. The panelists discussed the challenges of African American women in the legal profession today. Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and Former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman provided a welcome and introduction, Matthew Diller, Dean at Fordham University School of Law, where Eunice Carter attended law school, also provided remarks and NY County District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., rededicated Eunice Carter’s plaque at the Manhattan DA’s Office.

 

Five New Commissioners

new members
Click to Enlarge

The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of five new Commissioners. These Commissioners were appointed by Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and will work with the Commission to promote equal participation and equal justice for employees and litigants of color in the New York Court system. Our new Commissioners are: Hon. Shahabuddeen (Shah) A. Ally, Supervising Judge, New York County Civil Court; Professor Paula C. Johnson, Esq., Law Professor, Syracuse University College of Law; Porter L. Kirkwood, Esq., District Executive, Sixth Judicial District – Binghamton; Hon. Michael Carlos López, Rochester City Court, Criminal Branch; and Hon. Llinét M. Rosado, Justice, Supreme Court, Civil Term, Bronx County.

 

Championing Justice in the Courts

The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission joined with the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission to publish a letter in the New York Law Journal regarding our renewed commitment to the missions of our respective Commissions of ensuring diversity and justice.

 

Promoting Diversity in the Court System

"The Role of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission” held on June 17, 2020
Video | Transcript

Promote Diversity
The Co-Chairs of the Commission, Appellate Division Justices Troy K. Webber (First Department) and Shirley Troutman (Fourth Department), participated in a Continuing Legal Education program, entitled “Promoting Diversity in the Court System – The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission,” hosted by the Diversity Committee of the Rockland County Bar Association. The Co-Chairs discussed the Commission and its purpose, shared insights about their personal journeys to the Bench and also discussed the goals of the Commission as it approaches its 30th Anniversary of promoting racial and ethnic fairness within the New York State Courts.

 

The Court Officer Exam # 45-815 is Postponed

The Court Officer Exam # 45-815 is postponed until further notice due to COVID-19. Applicants can check the link below periodically for updates. http://ww2.nycourts.gov/careers/COT-2020.shtml

 

Hate is a Virus Too

Hate is a virus too

FHW Youth Initiative Forum - May 15, 2020
Video | Transcript | Flyer

 

Hon. George Daniels

George B Daniels

Hon. George Daniels is a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. This year marks Judge Daniels’ twentieth year as a federal judge. He joined the court in 2000 after being nominated by President Bill Clinton. In 1995, Daniels was appointed by Governor George Pataki as Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York from 1995 to 2000. Judge Daniels also serves on the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission.

 

Hon. Robert E. Torres

Robert E Torres

Hon. Robert E. Torres was appointed to the Appellate Term, First Department, which hears appeals from cases originating in the Civil and Criminal Courts in Manhattan and the Bronx. Judge Torres also serves on the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission.

 

Lauren A. Jones, Esq.

Lauren A Jones

Lauren A. Jones, Esq., who serves on the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, has been named Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Coordinator for New York City Surrogates' Courts.

 

Posthumous Admission Ceremony

Justice Shrley Troutman, Appellate Division, Fourth Department

Members of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission were in attendance for the posthumous admission ceremony of William Herbert Johnson. 

Read the complete article on the Admission Ceremony

Swearing In of Lenora Foote Beavers

Lenora Foote Beavers, Esq.

Congratulations to Lenora Foote Beavers, Esq., a member of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, who was sworn in as a Buffalo City Court Judge on Dec. 12, 2019, at the court.

Retirement of Joyce Y. Hartsfield

Joyce Y. Hartsfield, Esq.

Congratulations to Joyce Y. Hartsfield, Esq., who has retired after serving more than two decades as the Executive Director of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission.

 

High School Students Program

High School Students Program

More than 100 high school students from the Council on Unity attended a program sponsored by the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission designed to explain the role of the courts, promote the rule of law and jury service and interest young people in the legal and judicial professions. Justice Doris Ling-Cohan, Associate Justice of Appellate Term, First Department, and Nadine C. Johnson, Esq., Chief of Staff and Counsel to the Administrative Judge in Richmond County, Commissioners of the FWH Judicial Commission, were in attendance.

 

New Co-Chairs Appointed to The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission

On February 21, 2018, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore in consultation with Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks appointed Justice Shirley Troutman and Justice Troy K. Webber as Co-Chairs of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission ("Commission"). 

Hon. Shirley TroutmanJustice Troutman currently serves as Associate Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department.  She previously served as a trial Judge in State Supreme Court in the 8th J.D.; a County Court judge in Erie County and a judge in Buffalo City Court.  Her public service includes being an assistant US Attorney Western District of New York.  Justice Troutman is graduate of SUNY Buffalo and J.D. from Albany Law School. 

Hon. Troy K. WebberJustice Webber serves as Associate Justice, Appellate Division, First Department. She has been a dedicated public servant having previously served as a Judge in State Supreme Court, Bronx County-Criminal Term, Acting Surrogate in New York County, and a judge in New York City Civil Court.   Judge Webber served as Deputy Chief with the New York City Law Department. Judge Webber is a graduate of New York University and New York University School of Law.
The Commission looks forward to the leadership and continued commitment that each co-chair brings to diversity and racial and ethnic fairness issues for the courts.

 

Pathways to the Judiciary and Ethical Issues Seminar at 47th Annual Legislative Program

On February 17, 2018, the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission in conjunction with New York State Unified Court System, Capitol District Black and Hispanic Bar Association, Metropolitan Black Bar Association, Association of Black Women Attorneys, Capitol District Women's Bar Association and Puerto Rican Bar Association co-sponsored the seminar "Pathways to the Judiciary and The Ethical Issues" at the 47th New York State Black and Hispanic Legislative Caucus Program, Albany, New York.

Hon. Jamaal Bailey, Senator, District 36 welcomed the attendees and highlighted the importance of a diverse judiciary. 

Senator Bailey

Welcome Remarks, Senator Jamaal Bailey, 36th State Senate District

Paulino Johnson

Moderator: Alejandra Paulino Adjunct Professor, Albany Law School
Panelists: Jeanine Johnson, Court Attorney for Hon. Geoffrey Wright, James E. Long, Esq.

Heath

Moderator: Hon. Helena Heath, Albany City Court

Thomas, Frost, Michael

Panelists: Hon. Teneka Frost, Schenectady City Court, Hon. Derrek Thomas, Syracuse City Court, Hon. Marsha Michael, Bronx Civil Court

Judge Rivera

Moderator: Hon. Richard Rivera, Family Court, Albany, NY

Daneils Depeyster, Ryba, Paul

Panelists: Hon. Claudia Daniels-DePeyster, Supreme Court, Brooklyn, NY, Hon. Christina Ryba, Supreme Court, Albany NY, Hon. Dweynie Paul, Family Court, Queens, NY

Quinones

Moderator:  Hon. Joanne Quinones, Supreme Court, Criminal Division, Brooklyn, NY

Rivera, Treece, Yanthis

Panelists: Hon. Jenny Rivera, Associate Justice, NYS Court of Appeals, Former Magistrate Judge Randolph Treece, United States District Court, Northern District of New York (Ret.), Former Magistrate Judge George A. Yanthis, United States District Court, Southern District of New York (Ret.)

 

Unified Court System Black History Month Program

On February 20, 2018, the 28th Annual Program to Commemorate Black History Month occurred at the New York County Courthouse Rotunda.  The theme was "African Americans in Times of War."  The program was organized by the Unified Court System's Black History Month Committee, co-sponsored by the Tribune Society, Inc. of the Courts in New York State and the Judicial Friends Association.  The Master of Ceremonies was Hon. Milton A. Tingling, New York County Clerk.  Joyce Kendrik, supervising attorney of the Brooklyn Defender Services, Esq. impressed the audience with her musical selections. 

Judge Milton Tingling presented Hon. Janet DiFiore, Chief Judge of the State of New York and Court of Appeals with the Equality of Justice Award.  Hon. Troy K. Webber, Associate Justice, Appellate Division, First Department presented Joyce Y. Hartsfield, with the Hon. Theodore T. Jones, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award. Major Ernest L. Owens, Queens County Supreme Court- Civil Term presented the Trailblazer Award to Tuskegee Airman, Mr. Wilfred R. DeFour & Mr. William Johnson. 

Joyce Y. Hartsfield, Hon. Janet DiFiore, Hon. Milton A. Tingling, Hon. Lawrence Marks, William Johnson and William R. Defour
Joyce Y. Hartsfield, Hon. Janet DiFiore, Hon. Milton A. Tingling, Hon. Lawrence Marks, William Johnson and William R. Defour

Hon. Troy K. Webber, Major Ernest Owens, Joyce Y. Hartsfield, William Johnson and William R. Defour
Hon. Troy K. Webber, Major Ernest Owens, Joyce Y. Hartsfield, William Johnson and William R. Defour

 

Mass Incarceration: Mercy Matter Conference

On June 13, 2017, the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission hosted with Fordham Law School an all-day conference: Mass Incarceration: Mercy Matters.The conference discussed ways to reduce the number of persons incarcerated and prison culture reform. Chief Judge Janet DiFiore provided opening remarks and Dean Matthew Diller welcomed attendees to the conference and briefly discussed the life of Fordham Law School graduate, Franklin H. Williams.

Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission

Photo: Chief Administrative Lawrence Marks, Dean Matthew Diller, Paul Kenny, Hon. Craig D. Hannah, Hon. Barbara R. Kapnick, Hon. Troy K. Webber, Hon. Joanne D. Quiñones, Hon. Lewis L. Douglass, Hon. Doris Ling-Cohan, Hon. Richard B. Lowe - Commission Chair, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, Hon. yvonne lewis, Hon. Richard Rivera, Hon. Eduardo Padro, Hon. Robert Torres, Linda Dunlap-Miller

 

March 15, 2016

Commission meeting with Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks.

Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission

Commission meeting with Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks: L to R, Karlene Dennis, Hon. Richard Rivera, Nadine Johnson, Esq., Hon. yvonne lewis, Hon. George B. Daniels, Hon. Barbara R. Kapnick, Linda Dunlap-Miller, Lenore Kramer, Esq., Hon. Janet DiFiore (Chief Judge), Hon. Richard B. Lowe III, Sandra Rivera, Esq., Hon. Troy K. Webber, Hon. Joanne D. Quiñones, Hon. Lawrence Marks (Chief Administrative Judge), Hon. Doris Ling-Cohan, Hon. Craig D. Hannah, Lenore B. Foote, Esq., Hon. Eduardo Padro, Paul Kenny, Esq., Lieutenant Clemont Mack, Hon. Kathy Davidson, Adrienne Williams, Esq., Joyce Y. Hartsfield (Commission Executive Director)

The following judges were recently appointed to the New York State Appellate Division

Hon. Sharon Aarons
Associate Justice
Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Third Department

Hon. Francesca Connolly
Associate Justice
Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Second Department

Hon. John Curran
Associate Justice
Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Fourth Department

Hon. Ellen Gesmer
Associate Justice
Supreme Court, Appellate Division
First Department

Hon. Marcy Kahn
Associate Justice
Supreme Court, Appellate Division
First Department

Hon. Robert Mulvey
Associate Justice
Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Third Department

Hon. Valerie Brathwaite Nelson
Associate Justice
Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Second Department

Hon. Patrick NeMoyer
Associate Justice
Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Fourth Department

Hon. Shirley Troutman
Associate Justice
Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Fourth Department

Hon. Troy Webber
Associate Justice
Supreme Court, Appellate Division
First Department

 

January 29, 2015

photo

 

Commission members with Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman – L to R. - Barry Clarke, Esq., Linda Dunlap-Miller, Nadine C. Johnson, Esq, T. Andrew Brown, Esq., Lenore Kramer, Esq., Hon. yvonne lewis, Hon. Troy K. Webber, Hon. Rose H. Sconiers, Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, Hon. Richard B. Lowe, Hon. Robert E. Torres, Hon. Doris Ling-Cohan,  Sandra Rivera Esq., Lt. Clemont Mack, Hon. Kathie Davidson, Joyce Y. Hartsfield (Commission Executive Director)

 

January 30, 2014

Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission 
Annual Meeting 
with the Chief Judge & Chief Administrative Judge

 

Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission  

 

L to R – Joyce Y. Hartsfield, Lt. Clemont Mack, Hon. George B. Daniels, Linda Dunlap Miller, Hon. Doris Ling-Cohan, Barry Clarke, Esq., Hon. Robert E. Torres, Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, Nadine C. Johnson, Esq,, Hon. Rose H. Sconiers, Adrienne Williams Esq., Chief Administrative Judge A. Gail Prudenti, T. Andrew Brown, Esq., Hon. Stephen T. Miller, Hon. Eduardo Padro, Lenore Kramer, Esq., Hon. yvonne lewis, Sandra Rivera Esq., Karlene Dennis, Esq.