Behind the Bench: Chief clerk credits coworkers, celebrates courts
/
William Reyes has been a staple in New York City’s courts since 1991. Photo courtesy of Reyes
By Rachel Vick
In the nearly three decades since William “Bill” Reyes began his career in New York City’s courts in 1991 as court officer, he traversed parts across four boroughs before settling into his latest position as chief clerk in Queens Supreme, Criminal.
The position brought the Flushing-born official full circle and into the middle of a system working to adjust to a new normal, working harder than ever before alongside dedicated coworkers.
“I've loved my entire career; even the most difficult [court parts],” Reyes said. “Life’s about change and challenges; you get to learn so much.”
Reyes is no stranger to tough jobs, citing a history of night school, physical labor and the role model of a hard working father who always made time for what mattered, as preparation for the intensity of adjusting to the management role during a crisis.
Though there are many responsibilities and tasks that come with his position, Reyes said that among the most important is being part of the team — one that he credits with the continued success and smooth functioning of the department.
“I’m only as good as my team,” Reyes said. “Everybody’s done what they had to and then some. I just want the staff to know that I'm there for them and that's important.”
Working in the courts, he added, “makes you realize how lucky you are.”
Reyes looks back on his career so far with gratitude for the people around him and the different aspects of the court system he’s dipped into, gleaning information on the function behind filings from housing court and civil matters to elder care. He said that part of what makes his job in the courts so special is the ability to learn new things and continued opportunity for career growth.
The future of the court system and what his role will look like moving forward may be uncertain, as New York works to find a new normal, but Reyes remains committed to the job, the work and the courts.
“I’ve always worked in the boroughs - city courts are where it's at for me,” he said. “ I don't know what it's going to look like [moving forward] — we’re adapting to a new time.”
Even behind a plexiglass wall or six feet of space, among the most satisfying parts of the job, according to Reyes, is being able to help people.
Whether it’s pointing someone in the right direction or addressing a formality holding them back from moving forward — like removing the last barrier to a license reinstatement so they can drive to work — he said he always tries to do what he can, even if it’s just giving someone his business card to reassure them because “a little help goes a long way.”
“You're helping so many people with issues most of us don't have,” he said. “We're doing a service; without us they might not get that relief they're looking for.”
