Lawyers, litigants and court officers beat the heat in Queens Supreme

By Rachel Vick

Summer is in full swing at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, where things seem to have slowed down amid a record-breaking heatwave. But that doesn’t mean activity has ceased.

Hushed conversations echoed through the halls, interrupted by the occasional call for a case to be presented. Court officials and attorneys also attempted to keep tabs on participants, as was the case with one disputed property ownership case, in which the defendant had yet to appear.

Several people visited court to take advantage of the divorce services, either presenting paperwork or using the Uncontested Matrimonial Program.

The courthouse community was evident across various floors, as attorneys made small talk with court officers, in one case joking that he was stationed at a different courtroom than usual. Others socialized while they waited to file paperwork or appear for appointments, the camaraderie among colleagues evident as they laughing and called out to familiar faces. Many of the male attorneys seemed to wear an unofficial summer uniform — a gray suit with brown shoes. 

Despite the heat, people still bustled about, with lawyers rushing from courtroom to elevator and back again, with other proceedings in between. Court officers escorted those who needed and citizens milling about, often with looks of concern or confusion.

The busiest space was the third floor, where offices are located and compliance hearings are held,

The Lawyers Without Rights Exhibit, still on display, drew the attention of passersby as they waited to enter courtrooms on various floors.