A comprehensive webinar titled “How to Navigate the Small Claims Court” was presented to the public via Zoom on Tuesday, March 12. This informative session was a collaboration between the Brooklyn Bar Association, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association and Antioch Baptist Brooklyn, a united front from the legal community to educate the public.
Judge Lola Waterman, chair of the Brooklyn Bar Association’s Access to Justice Committee, organized the event and explained the importance of understanding the Small Claims Court, known as “The People’s Court.”
“Oftentimes, when litigants step into the courtroom, there is uncertainty as to the various court personnel and what their roles are,” said Judge Waterman. “This program helped to explain the role of court clerks, arbitrators, referees and court attorneys. It also delved into the role of an attorney when a party retains one. Other topics included filing fees, arbitration vs. mediation, preparing for trial/inquests and appealing decisions.”
The session was designed to explain the process and expectations of Small Claims Court, where individuals can sue for up to $5,000 in City Courts and $3,000 in Town and Village Courts for various disputes.
Highlighting its accessibility, the webinar stressed that no attorney is required to file a claim, making the court an invaluable resource for resolving minor disputes efficiently.
The panel of legal experts featured Ronald Cosme, a referee in the small claims court; Dawn Hill-Kearse, deputy chief clerk at the Brooklyn Civil Court; Turquoise Haskins, an arbitrator in Small Claims Court; attorney Richard Klass; and Court Attorney Jeffrey Estrella. Additionally, the event was co-sponsored by Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman and District Leaders Dionne Brown-Jordan,…
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