Six Candidates Vying for 3 Seats On NY County Supreme Court

Judy H. Kim Makes History as First Korean American Elected to NY ...

Judy is from Kips Bay, New York. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Juris Doctor degree from Tulane Law School. She currently lives in Manhattan, New York.

Before taking the bench, Judy was a trial and appellate litigator for 17 years, representing clients in federal and state courts. She also worked as an associate counsel at the New York Liquidation Bureau, handling litigation related to bankrupt insurance companies.

Judy Kim is currently an acting Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. She was elected to the New York County Civil Court bench in 2016 and served as a judge there until 2022. 

Hon. Judy Kim

Received her law degree from Tulane University.

As an associate counsel for the Bureau & Estates Litigation Section of the Legal Division at the New York Liquidation Bureau, handled "all phases of litigation involving the Superintendent of Financial Services as receiver of bankrupt insurance companies and on behalf of defendant insureds in Supreme Court, Civil Court, and in hearings before a court-appointed referee."

As an attorney at Kennedy Lillis Schmidt & English, handled "commercial litigation, employment discrimination litigation, and matrimonial litigation matters."

As a county civil court judge, presided over cases regarding small claims and general civil claims.

As an acting Justice of the New York Supreme Court, presides over trials regarding civil matters.

- Received her law degree from Tulane University.
- As an associate counsel for the Bureau & Estates Litigation Section of the Legal Division at the New York Liquidation Bureau, handled "all phases of litigation involving the Superintendent of Financial Services as receiver of bankrupt insurance companies and on behalf of defendant insureds in Supreme Court, Civil Court, and in hearings before a court-appointed referee."
- As an attorney at Kennedy Lillis Schmidt & English, handled "commercial litigation, employment discrimination litigation, and matrimonial litigation matters."
- As a county civil court judge, presided over cases regarding small claims and general civil claims.
- As an acting Justice of the New York Supreme Court, presides over trials regarding civil matters.

Legal Experience

As of September 15, 2025, Judy Kim’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Philosophy

Judy H. Kim, Scrutinize

Has a publication rate of 1.6 decisions per year, which is higher than 84.64% of judges in the dataset.

As a state supreme court judge, has a publication rate of 1.6 decisions per year, which is higher than 84.64% of judges in the dataset.

Set a commercial bond as the cheapest option in 87.1% of bail cases, which is higher than 45.12% of judges in the dataset.

As a state supreme court judge, set commercial bonds as the cheapest option in 87.1% of bail cases, which is higher than 45.12% of judges in the dataset.

Judicial record shows that Kim has set court-run, refundable bail higher than other forms of bail in 87.1% of cases.

As a state supreme court judge, blocked affordable bail in 87.1% of all bail cases, a higher percentage than 34.62% of judges in the dataset.

- As a state supreme court judge, has a publication rate of 1.6 decisions per year, which is higher than 84.64% of judges in the dataset.
- As a state supreme court judge, set commercial bonds as the cheapest option in 87.1% of bail cases, which is higher than 45.12% of judges in the dataset.
- As a state supreme court judge, blocked affordable bail in 87.1% of all bail cases, a higher percentage than 34.62% of judges in the dataset.

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Serves on the board of several organizations, including the Stonewall Community Development Corporation, Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert, and the Korean American League for Civic Action.

Served on the board of several organizations, including the Stonewall Community Development Corporation, Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert, and the Korean American League for Civic Action.

Believes community and pro bono services are important obligations of every judge.

- Served on the board of several organizations, including the Stonewall Community Development Corporation, Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert, and the Korean American League for Civic Action.
- Believes community and pro bono services are important obligations of every judge.

Community Involvement

Judy Kim

As of September 15, 2025, Judy Kim did not have a website or any information online.

Judy Kim is from Kips Bay, New York. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Juris Doctor degree from Tulane Law School. She lives in Manhattan, New York.

Judy is a judge at the New York County Civil Court, where she has served since 2016. Before taking the bench, she was a trial and appellate litigator for 17 years, representing clients in federal and state courts. She also worked as an associate counsel at the New York Liquidation Bureau, handling litigation related to bankrupt insurance companies.

Judy is currently an Acting Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. She was elected to the New York County Civil Court bench in 2016 and served as a judge there until 2023. 

Instagram

Buket Urgen

Deborah A. Kaplan - Ballotpedia

Deborah Kaplan earned a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science from the State University of New York at Albany and a law degree from St. John's University School of Law. She lives in Manhattan, New York.

Deborah previously worked as senior trial counsel for the Legal Aid Society Criminal Defense Division. After becoming a judge, she served as the principal court attorney for the Hon. Juanita Bing Newton and as Chief Management Analyst & Project Counsel for the Hon. Joseph Traficanti, Jr.

Deborah is currently a judge of the New York Supreme Court, 1st Judicial District. She was first elected as a Supreme Court Justice in 2011 and re-elected in 2021. She previously served as a judge of the New York City Civil Court from 2002 to 2007. 

As a new york city civil court judge for 5 years, handled cases under $50,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and housing code enforcement.

As a state supreme court justice for 14 years, oversees civil and criminal cases outside lower court jurisdiction has authority over divorces, annulments, and legal separations.

- As a new york city civil court judge for 5 years, handled cases under $50,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and housing code enforcement.
- As a state supreme court justice for 14 years, oversees civil and criminal cases outside lower court jurisdiction has authority over divorces, annulments, and legal separations.

As chair of the New York State Judicial Committee on Elder Justice, she aims to raise awareness of elder mistreatment and ensure older adults can fully participate in court proceedings.

- As chair of the New York State Judicial Committee on Elder Justice, she aims to raise awareness of elder mistreatment and ensure older adults can fully participate in court proceedings.

Deborah A. Kaplan, Scrutinize

Has a publication rate of 0.1 decisions per year, higher than 47.64% of judges in the dataset.

- Has a publication rate of 0.1 decisions per year, higher than 47.64% of judges in the dataset.

As of September 15, 2025, Deborah A. Kaplan did not have a website or any information online.

Deborah A. Kaplan

Deborah Kaplan earned a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science from the State University of New York at Albany and a juris doctor degree from St. John's University School of Law. She lives in Manhattan, New York.

Deborah is currently a judge of the New York Supreme Court, 1st Judicial District. She was first elected as a Supreme Court Justice in 2011 and re-elected in 2021. She previously served as a judge of the New York City Civil Court from 2002 to 2007. Deborah is running in a special election for judge of the New York Supreme Court, 1st Judicial District, and is on the ballot in the special general election on November 4, 2025.

Deborah is a judge of the New York Supreme Court, 1st Judicial District. She previously served as a judge of the New York City Civil Court, assigned to the Criminal Court (4th Municipal District). Before taking the bench, she worked as senior trial counsel for the Legal Aid Society Criminal Defense Division. After becoming a judge, she served as the principal court attorney for the Hon. Juanita Bing Newton and as Chief Management Analyst & Project Counsel for the Hon. Joseph Traficanti, Jr.

As chair of the New York State Judicial Committee on Elder Justice, aims to raise awareness of elder mistreatment and ensure older adults can fully participate in court proceedings.

As chair of the New York State Judicial Committee on Elder Justice, aims to raise awareness about elder mistreatment and ensure older adults can fully participate in court proceedings.

LinkedIn

Gowri earned her bachelor's degree from Washington University in St. Louis and her law degree from Fordham University. 

Gowri is a clinical professor of law at Fordham University.

Gowri Krishna - Ballotpedia

Gowri's campaign for New York Supreme Court Judge, 1st District is her first entry into politics. 

As an Equal Justice Works Fellow, directed a project that provided legal services to low-wage immigrant workers.

Taught community economic development clinics at the University of Michigan and Roger Williams University.

Taught community economic development clinics at the University of Michigan and Roger Williams University, New York Law School, and Fordham University.

Led the Community Development Project at the Urban Justice Center, aiding worker cooperatives and nonprofits in corporate matters.

- As an Equal Justice Works Fellow, directed a project that provided legal services to low-wage immigrant workers.
- Taught community economic development clinics at the University of Michigan and Roger Williams University, New York Law School, and Fordham University.
- Led the Community Development Project at the Urban Justice Center, aiding worker cooperatives and nonprofits in corporate matters.

As of September 15, 2025, Gowri Krishna did not have a website or any information online.

Gowri Krishna | Platform Cooperativism Consortium

Serves on the board of the Clinical Legal Education Association

- Serves on the board of the Clinical Legal Education Association

Gowri Krishna

Taught community economic development clinics at New York Law School.

Judge James G. Clynes - Professional Background & Legal ...

James earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Villanova University and a law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School. He lives in Manhattan, New York.

James previously worked as both a criminal and civil litigator, serving 5 years with the Nassau County District Attorney's Office, 18 years with Nationwide Insurance Company, and 5 years in the New York State Unified Court System.

Judge James G. Clynes - Performance Metrics, Career Overview ...

James G. Clynes is currently an Acting Justice for the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County. He was first elected to serve as a judge for the New York County Civil Court in 2017 and then designated to the Criminal Court in 2018.

New York State Bar Association - Panelist Bios

Legal career includes: 

* Assistant district attorney, Nassau County District Attorney’s Office (1985-1990)
* Senior trial attorney, Nationwide Insurance Company (1990-2008)
* Solo practice as a criminal and civil litigator (2008-2011)
* Principal court attorney, New York State Unified Court System (2012-2017)

As an assistant district attorney, prosecuted crimes in Nassau County, New York.

As a senior trial attorney for Nationwide Insurance Company, litigated personal injury and property damage cases.

As a civil court judge, oversaw trials regarding small claims and other civil matters.

As an Acting Justice for the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, oversees general jurisdiction civil trials.

- As an assistant district attorney, prosecuted crimes in Nassau County, New York.
- As a senior trial attorney for Nationwide Insurance Company, litigated personal injury and property damage cases.
- As a civil court judge, oversaw trials regarding small claims and other civil matters.
- As an Acting Justice for the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, oversees general jurisdiction civil trials.

As of September 15, 2025, James G. Clynes did not have a website or any information online.

As a state supreme court judge, published 1.6 decisions per year, higher than 85.06% of judges in the dataset.

As a judge, favored commercial bonds 91.4% of the time, which is higher than 56.17% of judges in the dataset.

As a state supreme court judge, favored commercial bonds 91.4% of the time, higher than 56.17% of judges in the dataset.

As a district court judge, blocked 95.9% of bail cases, a higher percentage than 55.8% of judges in the dataset.

As a state supreme court judge, blocked affordable bail in 95.9% of bail cases, higher than 55.8% of judges in the dataset.

- As a state supreme court judge, published 1.6 decisions per year, higher than 85.06% of judges in the dataset.
- As a state supreme court judge, favored commercial bonds 91.4% of the time, higher than 56.17% of judges in the dataset.
- As a state supreme court judge, blocked affordable bail in 95.9% of bail cases, higher than 55.8% of judges in the dataset.

The Defense Association of New York, Inc. - Home

In May 2025, received the Defense Association of New York Civil Justice Award.

- In May 2025, received the Defense Association of New York Civil Justice Award.

James G. Clynes

- As a state supreme court judge, published 1.6 decisions per year, higher than 85.06% of judges in the dataset.
- As a state supreme court judge, favored commercial bonds 91.4% of the time, higher than 56.17% of judges in the dataset
- As a state supreme court judge, blocked affordable bail in 95.9% of bail cases, higher than 55.8% of judges in the dataset.

- As a state supreme court judge, published 1.6 decisions per year, higher than 85.06% of judges in the dataset.
- As a state supreme court judge, favored commercial bonds 91.4% of the time, higher than 56.17% of judges in the dataset
- As a state supreme court judge, blocked 95.9% of bail cases, a higher percentage than 55.8% of judges in the dataset.

Prior to becoming a judge, James worked as both a criminal and civil litigator, including 5 years with the Nassau County District Attorney's Office, 18 years with Nationwide Insurance Company, and 5 years in the New York State Unified Court System.

- Earned a law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1984.
- As an assistant district attorney, prosecuted crimes in Nassau County, New York.
- As a senior trial attorney for Nationwide Insurance Company, litigated personal injury and property damage cases.
- As a civil court judge, oversaw trials regarding small claims and other civil matters.
- As an Acting Justice for the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, oversees general jurisdiction civil trials.

James G. Clynes earned a bachelor of science in business administration from Villanova University and a juris doctor from the University of Notre Dame Law School. He lives in Manhattan, New York.

James is currently a judge for the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County. He was first elected to serve as a judge for the New York County Civil Court in 2017 and then designated to the Criminal Court in 2018. In 2023, he was elected to the Supreme Court and currently presides in the Civil Division. He has served as a New York judge for 9 years.

James G. Clynes earned a bachelor of science in business administration from Villanova University and a juris doctor degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School. He lives in Manhattan, New York.

James is a judge in the New York State Unified Court System. He previously worked as an assistant district attorney with the Nassau County District Attorney's Office, a senior trial attorney at Nationwide Insurance Company, and a solo practitioner specializing in criminal and civil litigation.

James is currently a judge for the New York Supreme Court, 1st District. He was first elected to serve as a judge for the New York County Civil Court in 2017 and then designated to the Criminal Court by the Hon Lawrence K. Marks, Chief Administrative Judge of the State of New York in 2018. He was most recently elected to the bench for a term beginning in 2018 and ending in 2027. James is also a former chairman of Community Board 8, a position he held from 2015 to 2017.

Earned a law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1984.

Supports the Uncap Justice Act, which would allow the State Legislature to add new State Supreme Court Justices.

Facebook

Jared Trujillo is from Ames, Iowa and currently lives in New York City. 

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Some New York court staffers are eligible for COVID vaccines ...

Jared is an associate law professor at CUNY School of Law. He previously served as policy counsel for the New York Civil Liberties Union, where he lobbied for criminal and juvenile justice reforms.

Jared Trujillo - Ballotpedia

Jared's campaign for New York Supreme Court Judge, 1st District is his first entry into politics.

Is a professor at CUNY School of Law, where he teaches constitutional law and critical race theory.

As a law professor, teaches constitutional law, critical race theory, and courses focused on the criminal legal system.

As an attorney for the Legal Aid Society, represented children and adolescents in child protective cases and juvenile delinquency cases.

- As a law professor, teaches constitutional law, critical race theory, and courses focused on the criminal legal system.
- As an attorney for the Legal Aid Society, represented children and adolescents in child protective cases and juvenile delinquency cases.

As of September 15, 2025, Jared Trujillo did not have a website or any information online.

Held leadership roles as president of the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys and chair of the New York City Bar's L.G.B.T.Q. Rights Committee.

- Held leadership roles as president of the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys and chair of the New York City Bar's L.G.B.T.Q. Rights Committee.

Twitter

Jared Trujillo

Jared is an associate law professor at CUNY School of Law. He previously served as policy counsel for the New York Civil Liberties Union, where he lobbied for criminal and juvenile justice reforms. He also held leadership roles as president of the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys and chair of the New York City Bar's L.G.B.T.Q. Rights Committee.

Jared's campaign for New York Supreme Court Judge, 1st District is his first entry into politics. He also ran for Manhattan Borough President in New York in 2025 but will not appear on the ballot.

Jared is a law professor at CUNY School of Law, where he teaches constitutional law and critical race theory. He previously served as policy counsel for the New York Civil Liberties Union, where he lobbied for criminal and juvenile justice reforms. He also held leadership roles as president of the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys and chair of the New York City Bar's L.G.B.T.Q. Rights Committee.

Jared's campaign for New York Supreme Court Judge, 1st District is his first entry into politics. He previously ran for Manhattan Borough President in New York but did not win.

Biography of Justice Suzanne Adams | NYCOURTS.GOV

Suzanne Adams received her bachelor's degree in journalism from Penn State University in 1996 and her law degree from Hofstra University Law School in 1998.

Prior to becoming a judge, Suzanne worked as a litigator in the New York State Courts for almost 20 years, including as a managing partner of a law firm.

Suzanne currently serves as the Administrative Judge for Manhattan Civil Supreme Court. She previously served as an Acting Supreme Court Justice in New York County from 2020 to 2024.

Served as an Acting Supreme Court Justice in New York County.

As an Acting Supreme Court Justice in New York County, oversaw jury trials for all types of civil litigation.

As the Administrative Judge for Manhattan Civil Supreme Court, oversees the day-to-day operation of 60 Supreme Court Justices, 285 court staff (non-uniform), 104 court staff (uniform), and 121 chambers staff.

- As an Acting Supreme Court Justice in New York County, oversaw jury trials for all types of civil litigation.
- As the Administrative Judge for Manhattan Civil Supreme Court, oversees the day-to-day operation of 60 Supreme Court Justices, 285 court staff (non-uniform), 104 court staff (uniform), and 121 chambers staff.

As of September 15, 2025, Suzanne Adams did not have a website or any information online.

Suzanne J. Adams, Scrutinize

As a state supreme court judge, favored commercial bonds 78.9%  of the time, higher than 31.12%  of judges in the dataset.

As a state supreme court judge, blocked affordable bail in 97.4% of bail cases, higher than 61.33% of judges in the dataset.

- As a state supreme court judge, favored commercial bonds 78.9%  of the time, higher than 31.12%  of judges in the dataset.
- As a state supreme court judge, blocked affordable bail in 97.4% of bail cases, higher than 61.33% of judges in the dataset.

Suzanne Adams to Serve as New Administrative Judge for ...

Served as a board member of the Columbian Lawyers Association.

Serves as a "mentor to aspiring legal professionals through initiatives like the New York County Special Masters Diversity Program and the Richard Failla LGBTQ+ Commission."

- Served as a board member of the Columbian Lawyers Association.
- Serves as a "mentor to aspiring legal professionals through initiatives like the New York County Special Masters Diversity Program and the Richard Failla LGBTQ+ Commission."

Suzanne Adams

Suzanne received her bachelor's degree in journalism from Penn State University in 1996 and her law degree from Hofstra University Law School in 1998.

Suzanne Adams currently serves as the Administrative Judge for Manhattan Civil Supreme Court. She previously served as an Acting Supreme Court Justice in New York County from 2020 to 2024.

Suzanne is currently a member of the New York City Civil Court, representing Manhattan's 9th Municipal Court District. She was elected in 2017 and is currently serving her first term. She is also an Acting Supreme Court Justice in New York County. Adams is running in a special election for judge of the New York Supreme Court 1st Judicial District. She is on the ballot in the special general election on November 4, 2025.

As administrative judge, implemented policies to enhance the judicial process.

- The  New York Supreme Court is the state-wide trial court with the broadest jurisdiction in criminal and civil matters. However, it is not the state’s court of last resort.
- It can hear virtually any type of case brought before it, except for claims brought against the state which must be heard by the Court of Claims. Generally, it hears high-level criminal cases or civil cases with a judgment of more than $50,000.
- It is the only court that can grant divorce, annulment, and separation in New York.
- The New York Supreme Court is broken into 12 judicial districts state-wide. There are currently 154 justices authorized to sit in the New York City Supreme Court, but only 136 actually serve in Supreme Court trial parts because some of the justices are assigned to the Appellate Division or the Appellate Term.
- Justices of the Supreme Court are elected to serve 14-year terms and are paid a salary of $232,600.

A judge on your judicial district’s trial court which oversees criminal and civil matters. 