Silver announces town hall on court system overhaul

Judge George J. Silver (right), deputy chief administrative judge for the NYC Courts, sits with attorneys to work to try to settle cases to avoid backlogging in the courts. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese.

By Rachel Vick and David Brand

Interim Queens Supreme Court Administrative Judge George Silver will host a town hall meeting next week to address plans for overhauling how the Civil Supreme court system operates, according to multiple people familiar with the plans. 

Silver, the Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for New York City, announced the town hall meeting on Thursday morning before a packed courtroom. 

The event will take place at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23 in Courtroom 25.

The news sent murmurs through the court, as news of the event filtered among attorneys. Silver said he wants to prevent cases from appearing on the trial scheduling part when there are still motions for discovery pending.

Silver has previously overhauled operations in the Bronx and Brooklyn.

“I think the intention is good — to keep cases moving and hopefully resolve the ones that can be early,” said attorney Bill Mccabe. 

“We all [the lawyers] have a great respect for him and the manner with which he conducts his business. He’s been a judge, and was a practicing attorney like all of us.”  added attorney Larry Bonchonsky.

Attorney Diana Gianturco said she other per diem lawyers, and their clients, are often faced with extended case times. Smaller and often easily settled cases being pushed aside for  those involving groups with more overhead, like Geico, leads to frustration 

“I think it’s great that Silver is asking for input from the lawyers who are here day-to-day,” Giantruco said. “If we work together we can get a lot more done than if the bench and bar are fighting. I’ve been working in this building for 25 years — it’s refreshing to have a judge that wants input. I think the changes will be great for plaintiffs and for lawyers.”

A Queens County Bar Association leader said the organization “is, like everyone, waiting to see what the changes are.”

Other attorneys and court stakeholders expressed reticence ahead of a potential major overhaul to court operations, especially since Silver is working in a temporary capacity before a new administrative judge is selected.

Silver did not respond to a phone call seeking comment Wednesday.