Hon. Betsey Jean-Jacques was officially inducted as a judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York during a ceremony at Sirico’s Caterers in Dyker Heights on Sunday, Feb. 4. Elected in November 2023, Jean-Jacques’ induction was performed by Hon. Francois Rivera.
The ceremony was hosted by Hon. Joanne Quinones with Julian Figueras leading the Pledge of Allegiance and the NYS Courts Ceremonial Unit presenting the colors. As a judge of Haitian decent, Jean-Jacques had Dara Darguste perform the Haitian National Anthem and Black National Anthem, celebrating her’ heritage and the diversity of New York City.
Speakers at the event included notable figures such as retired Kings County Democratic Party Chair Hon. Frank Seddio; District Leaders Arleny Alvarado-McCalla and Mark Hanna; and Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse. Testimonials were also given by Judge Janet McFarlane, Katrina Miller, and Alix and Valencia Pamphile.
Presiding over the ceremonial oath was Hon. Francois Rivera, who Jean-Jacques credits as one of her biggest mentors. Starting her legal career in 2007 with the Mental Hygiene Legal Service, Appellate Division, Second Department, Jean-Jacques tried more than 1,200 cases before joining Rivera in 2018 as his principal law clerk.