As Brooklyn gears up for the upcoming primary elections on June 24, early voting set to kick off on June 14 has excited many voters.
While the mayoral and council primaries capture much of the spotlight, voters will also have the opportunity to cast their ballots for new Civil Court justices for Kings County.
In New York City, the Civil Court plays a crucial role in addressing various legal disputes, including those involving monetary claims up to $50,000, tenant-landlord conflicts, and small claims cases.
Judges elected to the Civil Court serve 10-year terms, making this election significant for those looking to influence local justice.
Four Democratic candidates are competing for two open seats on the Kings County Civil Court: Janice Chen, Marisa Arrabito, Susan Liebman, and Janice P. Purvis.
Janice Chen, a daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, has deep roots in Brooklyn.
She graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and attained her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.
Her career has largely unfolded in the Kings County Supreme Court’s Civil Term, where she currently serves as a Court Attorney in the Guardianship Part.
Here, Chen ensures that justice is accessible to all by collaborating with various stakeholders to resolve issues related to estate planning, housing, and government benefits.
In her community engagement, Chen is involved with organizations such as the Asian-Jade Society, the Brooklyn Bar Association, and the Queens County Bar Association.
Additionally, she holds a board position at the Imagine Me Leadership Charter School in East New York.
Her campaign has garnered endorsements from notable figures, including Assembly Member Maritza Davila and Council Member Crystal Hudson.
Marisa Arrabito also hails from Brooklyn, having attended Bishop Kearny High School and St. Francis College before earning her J.D. from New York Law School.
With 22 years of legal experience, Arrabito has focused on family and matrimonial law, personal injury, and landlord-tenant disputes throughout her career.
In 2022, she took on the role of Principal Law Clerk for Supreme Court Justice Kenneth P. Sherman, where her responsibilities include researching legal issues, assisting in pretrial conferences, and evaluating oral arguments.
Arrabito expresses through her campaign, “As a proud Brooklyn native, I deeply understand how the courts impact families and communities.
With my qualifications and life experience, I am confident that I am well-suited to be your next Kings County Civil Court Judge.”
She has received endorsements from the Brooklyn Democratic Party, the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, and several local District Leaders and elected officials, solidifying her position as a formidable candidate.
Susan Liebman has over 30 years of legal experience and is noted for her roles managing tenant-landlord disputes and small claims within the civil litigation arena.
She currently serves as a Principal Law Clerk in the Brooklyn Supreme Court, overseeing civil and matrimonial cases.
On social media, Liebman pledged, “As your next Civil Court judge, I will serve you with integrity, dedication, and a deep passion for justice.”
Her platform emphasizes respect for every case, clarity in decision-making, and ensuring accessible justice for all Brooklyn residents.
Liebman has garnered endorsements from significant organizations including the Brooklyn Democratic Party, the Shirley Chisholm Democratic Club, and several district leaders, highlighting her strong community support.
Lastly, Janice P. Purvis, originally from Maryland, has a long-standing career in law spanning two decades, 19 of which have been spent with the Kings County Supreme Court Law Department.
Her practice has involved personal injury law, labor law, medical and legal malpractice cases, and contract disputes.
Currently, as a Court Attorney Referee, Purvis makes decisions on custody cases and orders of protection, establishing herself as a key expert in early-stage civil litigation.
She also works within the Kings County Help Center, assisting self-represented individuals with court procedures and legal referrals.
Purvis is a member of various legal associations, including the Court Attorneys Association of New York City and the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, among others.
Her campaign is supported by endorsements from Council Member Crystal Hudson, the Independent Neighborhood Democrats, and Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon.
As primary election day draws near, voters are encouraged to participate actively in shaping their local judiciary.
With early voting scheduled from June 14 to June 22, the community’s engagement will undoubtedly influence the future of justice in Kings County.
To find your polling site and participate in this critical aspect of civic life, visit vote.nyc.
image source from：https://www.brooklynpaper.com/nyc-primaries-candidates-kings-county-civil-court/
