NY – Trinidadian-American Jurist Lisa Ottley Elevated to Appellate Division

2026-01-27 - 16:03

The Brooklyn Democratic Party is celebrating a major milestone with the elevation of Trinidadian-American Justice Lisa S. Ottley to the New York State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division, Second Department, serving Kings County. Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair and Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn praised the appointment, describing Justice Ottley as a proud product of Brooklyn whose elevation reflects both her legal excellence and deep commitment to justice. Justice Ottley’s appointment was formally announced on January 15 by Governor Kathy Hochul, who said the designation would further strengthen New York’s Appellate Courts through Ottley’s extensive judicial experience and sound temperament. Governor Hochul emphasized that the appointment reinforces public confidence in a judiciary grounded in fairness, integrity, and the rule of law. Since 2023, Justice Ottley has served as an associate justice of the Appellate Term of the Supreme Court, where she presided over civil matters and jury trials in Kings County. Prior to that role, she handled guardianship proceedings and a wide range of trials between 2016 and 2023. Her judicial career began with her election to the Civil Court in 2008. In 2019, she was appointed supervising judge, where she led the Trial Assignment Part and made history as the first African American supervising judge of the Kings County Civil Court. Before becoming an Acting Supreme Court Justice, she presided over matters in Civil and Family Court and handled Criminal Court arraignments in Kings County. Beyond the bench, Justice Ottley serves on the Guardianship Advisory Committee and is actively involved in judicial education as a lecturer and committee member at the Judicial Institute. She has also contributed to legal education as a former adjunct professor at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus and Kingsborough Community College. Justice Ottley is a graduate of Temple University School of Law and a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first African American sorority, founded in 1908 at Howard University. Throughout her career, she has been a mentor to newly appointed judges, aspiring attorneys, and young lawyers entering the legal profession. Governor Hochul announced Justice Ottley’s appointment alongside that of Justice Christina Ryba to the Appellate Division, Third Department, noting that both jurists bring exceptional legal expertise and a demonstrated commitment to justice that will benefit New Yorkers statewide. Reflecting on her elevation, Justice Ottley expressed gratitude for the support she received throughout the process, highlighting the role of faith, community, and steadfast advocacy. She acknowledged the leadership of Brooklyn’s Democratic leadership and district leaders who worked collectively to advance her candidacy. Justice Ottley said she is eager to embrace the responsibilities of the Appellate Division, describing the Second Department as a bench of highly dedicated and accomplished jurists. She noted that her experience, work ethic, and long-standing commitment to community service will continue to guide her as she enters this new chapter. Calling the moment both challenging and fulfilling, Justice Ottley said the elevation represents not just professional advancement, but recognition of years of diligence, service, and dedication to justice.