A long judicial career marked by steady advancement and community engagement has brought Trinidadian American jurist Lisa S. Ottley to one of New York’s most influential courts, drawing praise from political leaders and colleagues across Brooklyn.

Justice Ottley has been elevated to the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division Second Department, which sits in Kings County, following an announcement by Governor Kathy Hochul on Jan. 15. The appointment has been welcomed by the Brooklyn Democratic Party, which described her selection as a reflection of experience, leadership and trust earned on the bench.

“We are proud to recognize Brooklyn’s own Hon. Lisa S. Ottley’s elevation in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court Second Department as an additional justice,” Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair and Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn told Caribbean Life on Jan. 16.

In her statement announcing the elevation, Bichotte Hermelyn said the governor had emphasised that Justice Ottley would strengthen the appellate courts through her legal knowledge and commitment to fairness. Hochul, in naming Ottley and Justice Christina Ryba to the Second and Third Departments respectively, said the appointments reinforced public confidence in the judiciary. “Today, I’m strengthening New York’s Appellate Courts by announcing the designations of two women whose legal expertise, judicial temperament, and commitment to justice will ensure New York’s laws are applied fairly and correctly,” the governor said.

Justice Ottley has served since 2023 as an associate justice of the Appellate Term of the Supreme Court, where she oversaw civil matters and jury trials in Kings County. Between 2016 and 2023 she presided over guardianship cases and a wide range of trials. Elected to the Civil Court in 2008, she was appointed supervising judge in 2019 and became the first African American to hold that role in Kings County Civil Court, leading the Trial Assignment Part.

Her judicial service also includes handling Civil and Family Court matters and Criminal Court arraignments before her designation as Acting Supreme Court Justice. Beyond the courtroom, she serves on the Guardianship Advisory Committee and lectures at the Judicial Institute. She is a former adjunct professor at Long Island University Brooklyn Campus and Kingsborough Community College, and a graduate of Temple University School of Law.

On Jan. 17, Justice Ottley reflected on the moment. “First, let me say that God is awesome,” she said. “Having faith that is strongly rooted and people who support you is wonderful.” She credited Bichotte Hermelyn and Kings County Democratic district leaders for advocating her elevation and said she looked forward to the challenges ahead. “My work ethic and focus have moved me forward to the next phase in my professional life,” she said, calling it both demanding and fulfilling.

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