Chief Judge Rowan Wilson takes part in Brooklyn Court’s Diversity Fair

Last year, the Second Judicial District Equal Justice Committee hosted its inaugural Diversity Fair inside the Kings County Supreme Court on Jay Street. It had more than 20 fraternal organizations and local bar associations inside the courtroom hallways as a way to showcase the diversity within the legal community here in Brooklyn. It was attended by more than 75 court employees and judges and was considered a big success.

This year, it was more than twice the size with over 200 people in attendance, including Chief Judge Rowan Wilson, who gave the keynote address.

“I love Judge Quinones,” Chief Judge Wilson said laughing when he recalled how she partially tricked him into giving the keynote speech.

Formed in November 2021, the mission of the Second Judicial District Equal Justice Committee aligns closely with the essence of the fair. Chaired by Supreme Court Justice Joanne D. Quiñones, the committee includes a cross-section of legal professionals: Daniel Alessandrino, Chief Clerk for Criminal Matters; Ronald Cosme, Jr., Esq., Principal Law Clerk; Sergeant Shaqwan Gardner; Supreme Court Justice Richard J. Montelione; Lissette Morales, Senior Court Analyst; Kiyoko Panzella, Senior Court Reporter; Chief David Salazar; Hajin Suh, Esq., Principal Law Clerk; Charles Small, Esq., Chief Clerk for Civil Matters; Nancy T. Sunshine, County Clerk and Commissioner of Jurors; and Taneka S. Teel, Associate Court Clerk.

The committee is charged with fostering a bias-free environment, strengthening court services, building community partnerships, and promoting diversity in hiring practices, among other responsibilities.