New and easy to follow instructions for making phone and video court appearances are here:
Virtual Court Appearances for the Public
Our Mission
To ensure access to justice in all NY State Courts for people of all backgrounds, incomes, and abilities, by using every resource, including pro bono programs, self-help services, and technological tools, and by securing stable and adequate non-profit and government funding for civil and criminal legal services programs.
Law Day, celebrated annually in the month of May, offers us the opportunity to reflect on and discuss the rule of law and its role in our society. Each year, Law Day is centered around a different theme to help guide these discussions. In recognition of this important tradition, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Edwina G. Richardson-Mendelson and the Office for Justice Initiatives issue an annual Law Day Report each May reflecting on the theme of that year’s Law Day.
As we close out our Law Day celebrations, we are pleased to issue the 2023 Law Day Report, centered around this year’s theme, “Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration.” In keeping with this theme, the 2023 Law Day Report illustrates the importance of collaboration with those who share in our collective commitment to ensure meaningful access to equal justice for all, and how these partnerships are crucial to the success of the work of the Office for Justice Initiatives and the New York State Unified Court System. We invite you to review this report and share any questions or feedback with the Office for Justice Initiatives at DCAJ-OJI@nycourts.gov.
On March 8, 2023, Acting Chief Judge Anthony Cannataro announced the release of the “Equal Justice in the New York State Courts: 2022 Year in Review” report updating the achievements of the court system’s Equal Justice work, led by Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Hon. Edwina Richardson-Mendelson. The report highlights the court system’s statewide efforts over the past year to promote diversity and inclusiveness on the bench and in the courts’ workforce and foster a safe, welcoming and bias-free environment, consistent with the recommendations of the Special Adviser on Equal Justice in the Courts Secretary Jeh Johnson.
Administration
Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives
Hon. Edwina G. Richardson-Mendelson Profile
Chief of Staff
Michelle Smith, Esq.
What's New
- Court Navigator Program now available in Kings County (Brooklyn)
- Brand New Support DIY Form Program
- Law Day Report - 2023: “Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration”
- Equal Justice in the NYS Courts: 2022, Year in Review
- 2023 Law Day Art Contest
- Court User Expectations & Responsibilities
- VCAN (Virtual Court Access Network) at Redhook Community Justice Center