Addiction is not something that can be put on "pause" because there's a pandemic going on. This Amici podcast features Craig Stratton and Debbie Miller, two key members of Drug Court teams who creatively found ways to keep these problem-solving courts active and vibrant in the face of unparalleled challenges.

Transcript: http://ww2.nycourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/files/2021-08/StrattonMiller.pdf

Keeping Drug Courts Vibrant During the Pandemic

Judge Edwina Mendelson wears a variety of hats in the court system. She’s the Deputy Chief Administrative Judge  for Justice Initiatives, oversees about 300 problem-solving courts as director of the Office of Policy & Planning, oversees the Child Welfare Court Improvement Project and leads the Equal Justice in Courts initiative. She describes her most recent project, implementing the recommendations of Secretary Johnson in his October 2020 report on institutional bias in the courts, as the “assignment of a lifetime.”

Transcript: http://ww2.nycourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/files/2021-09/Judge%20Mendelson.pdf

Promoting Diversity in the Courts: Hon. Edwina Richardson

Charlotte Watson, Executive Director the New York State Judicial Committee on Women in the Courts, has been crusading to end violence against women for virtually her entire life. In this Amici podcast, Charlotte shares the personal and professional journey that began as a little girl in her grandmother's beauty salon.

Transcript: http://ww2.nycourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/files/2021-10/Charlotte%20Watson.pdf

Feminist Warrior: Charlotte Watson

In this Veteran's Day Diversity Dialogue segment, we're pleased to welcome Ron Pawelczak, the District Executive for the Seventh Judicial District. Ron is a decorated veteran of the US Army, who served in the armed forces during operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Just Cause.

In this interview, Ron discusses the difficulties managing such a large and geographically diverse district, the challenges in recruiting a diverse workforce -- and the personal challenges he has faced as a gay man.

Transcript: http://ww2.nycourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/files/2021-11/Ron%20Pawelczak.pdf

Promoting Diversity in the Courts: Ronald Pawelczak

The son of a West Indies immigrant father and a mother of European roots, the Hon. Norman St. George brings a diverse background to his position as Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the Courts Outside NYC.

“I believe I'm able to relate in some way to everyone and anyone,” he says in this new Diversity Dialogue podcast of the Office of Diversity & Inclusion.  
“And I think that makes a difference when you are attempting to work with people and gain trust and respect. I can always find something in common.”

Transcript: http://ww2.nycourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/files/2022-01/Judge%20St.%20George.pdf

Promoting Diversity in the Courts: Hon. Norman St. George

This Women's History Month program features the Hon. Deborah Kaplan, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the Courts Inside New York City. In this Diversity Dialogue podcast, Judge Kaplan describes her myriad roles -- and the challenges inherent in being a female in a leadership position.

Transcript: http://ww2.nycourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/files/2022-03/Judge%20Kaplan_0.pdf

Promoting Diversity in the Courts: The Hon. Deborah A. Kaplan

NYS Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks discusses a plan to streamline and modernize New York's convoluted, cumbersome and inefficient court structure. The interview was conducted by Daniel K. Wiig, host of the New York County Lawyers Association's Amicus Curiae podcast.

Streamlining the NYS Court System

Judge Rachel "Ruchie" Freier is believed to be the first Hasidic woman to hold public office in United States history. Dubbed the “Hasidic Superwoman of Night Court” by The New York Times and named one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world by the Jerusalem Post, Judge Freier shatters stereotypes about Hasidic woman neither being seen nor heard outside their insular community.

Transcript:  http://ww2.nycourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/files/2022-05/Judge%20Freier.pdf

Promoting Diversity in the Courts: Judge Rachel Freier

This Amici podcast features Sean Byrne, Executive Deputy Commissioner at the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, or OASAS. Mr. Byrne discusses addiction, the state's response and the OASAS relationship with the courts.

Transcript: http://ww2.nycourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/files/2022-05/Sean%20Byrne%20.pdf

OASAS and the Courts: A Chat with Sean Byrne

For this Pride Month edition of Diversity Dialogues, we are fortunate to have not one but two pioneering judges as guests: the Honorable Anthony Cannataro of New York's highest court, the Court of Appeals, and Justice Joanne Winslow of the Appellate Division Fourth Department. Together the judges co-chair the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission of the New York Courts.

Transcript: http://ww2.nycourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/files/2022-05/PrideMonth22_1.pdf

Promoting Diversity in the Courts: Judges Cannataro and Winslow

Every day, the NYS Court System interacts with people of all backgrounds, all skill sets and all education levels. Our materials, both in print and online, are only helpful if they are clear, concise and intelligible to all.

Bill Perritt is leading our effort to cleanse court materials of legalese, unnecessary jargon, confusing acronyms and bureaucratese.

Transcript: http://ww2.nycourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/files/2022-07/Bill%20Perritt.pdf

Plain Speaking with Bill Perritt

The "Amici" podcast series was created to share information and insight from New York's judges and the Unified Court System with constituents, stakeholders and anyone else who might have an interest in these topics.