Hon. Velasquez sworn in as first Latina president of Supreme Court Justices group

Justice Carmen Velasquez was sworn in as president of the Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York on Jan. 29. Photo courtesy of Hon. Karina Alomar

By David Brand

Queens Supreme Court Justice Carmen Velasquez was sworn in Jan. 29 as president of the Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York. She is the first Latina to lead the group.

The organization represents the interests of hundreds of justices across New York and recently played a lead role in suing the state to stop the termination of dozens of judges older than 70.

Velasquez took the oath of office administered by Eastern District Court Judge Dora Irrizary during a virtual ceremony.

“I’m very pleased and it’s an honor for me to preside over the organization, not just as a Latina but as a member of the judiciary so I am very happy,” she said.

She said she plans to advocate for the rights of judges and justices to access COVID-19 vaccines. Most court employees are currently eligible, but judges are not. 

“We’re not on any list of priorities even though we are first responders. We’re not taken into consideration, so we are like the forgotten department.” Velasquez said.

Velasquez also said she plans to continue championing recertification for older judges and making sure the court’s “simplification plan” does not go through. 

“I call upon Judge DiFiore and Judge Larry Marks to step up to the plate. Every day we come to the courthouse to do virtual proceedings and here we are with OCA not willing to come to the table to negotiate,” she said.