The BWBA discusses the nuances of Housing Court with Judge Mcclanahan

The Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association (BWBA) hosted a virtual lunch with the Honorable Judge Kevin McClanahan, the supervising judge of the Kings County Housing Court, as part of its regular Lunch with a Judge program this past Wednesday.

The event featured a deep dive into the Housing Court system’s history and challenges, a personal reflection on Judge McClanahan’s career, and a discussion about the court’s current landscape.

Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Judge McClanahan extensively traveled abroad in his youth, notably to Europe and South America. In Colombia he studied homelessness and developed an understanding of culture’s significant role in instigating change. This experience kindled his thirst for advocating change and an appreciation for the influence of diverse cultural backgrounds.

Judge McClanahan earned a bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College and then attended the University of Michigan School of Law. His career has seen him serve in various capacities within the legal system. Prior to his appointment as a judge, McClanahan worked as an associate court attorney for the Civil Court of the City of New York, a project coordinator for Legal Outreach, and an associate at Paul, Hastings Janofsky & Walker.

In 2002, Judge McClanahan was appointed to the bench of the New York City Civil Court by Chief Administrative Judge Jonathan Lippman. He was subsequently reappointed by Chief Administrative Judges A. Gail Prudenti in 2012 and Lawrence K. Marks in 2017. Today, he serves as the supervising judge for the New York City Housing Court in Kings County.

Apart from his extensive judicial duties, Judge McClanahan also serves as pastor to a thriving non-denominational church in Spanish Harlem. His…