Trinidadian-American Justice Lisa S. Ottley has been elevated to the New York State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division, Second Department, serving Kings County (Brooklyn), marking a major milestone in her judicial career.
Her appointment was announced on Jan. 15 by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who said the designation would strengthen New York’s Appellate Courts with judges who bring deep legal experience and a strong commitment to justice.
“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,” Hochul said.
“With the appointment of Justice Ottley and Justice Ryba, our courts will continue to uphold the public trust and serve as places of integrity and justice for all New Yorkers,” she added.
Since 2023, Justice Ottley has served as an associate justice of the Appellate Term of the Supreme Court, where she oversaw civil matters and jury trials in Kings County. From 2016 to 2023, she presided over guardianship cases and a wide range of trials before assuming her Appellate Term role.
Elected to Civil Court in 2008, Justice Ottley was appointed supervising judge in 2019, leading the Trial Assignment Part. She became the first African American supervising judge of the Kings County Civil Court. Prior to becoming an Acting Supreme Court Justice, she handled Civil and Family Court matters and Criminal Court arraignments in Kings County.
Beyond the bench, Justice Ottley serves on the Guardianship Advisory Committee and participates as a lecturer and committee member at the Judicial Institute. She is a former adjunct professor at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus and Kingsborough Community College. A graduate of Temple University School of Law, she is also a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first African American sorority, founded in 1908 at Howard University. Throughout her career, she has mentored new judges, aspiring attorneys, and young lawyers.
Reacting to her elevation, Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair and Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn praised the appointment.
“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,” Bichotte Hermelyn told Caribbean Life.
Justice Ottley, speaking to Caribbean Life on Jan. 17, described the moment as both humbling and affirming.
“First, let me say that God is awesome! Having faith that is strongly rooted and people who support you is wonderful,” she said.
“From the start, the Kings County Democratic Leader, Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn, has been an advocate and voice for my elevation to the Appellate Division, Second Department,” Justice Ottley added. “It was her leadership, hard work, and dedication, along with the support of the Kings County Democratic District Leaders, who were committed and joined together as a unified party, to inform the governor that they had a candidate they wanted to see elevated to the Appellate Division.”
“I am extremely grateful for the support and look forward to continuing this next chapter in my career,” she continued. “Not being a stranger to hard work, due diligence, and commitment to being the best that I can be, I look forward to what is ahead.”
She said her experience and community focus will guide her work on the appellate bench.
“The Appellate Division Second Department is a dedicated bench of highly intelligent jurists who work hard,” Justice Ottley said. “My never-ending commitment to the community and experience on the bench will continue to be an asset in facing this new challenge.”
“It is an awesome feeling to know that my work ethic and focus have moved me forward to the next and exciting phase in my professional life,” she added. “No doubt, it will be challenging, but, at the same time, fulfilling. A big shout out to Assembly Member and District Leader Nikki Lucas, who has been an avid supporter since 2008.”
