New York State Unified Court System

NYS Courts Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month

Among all the UCS commemorations in May of Jewish American Heritage was one in Suffolk County spotlighting, “Jewish Contributions to the Great American Song Book.”

Hosted by Administrative Judge Hon. Andrew Crecca, the program featured a dynamic cultural presentation by Dr. Rav-Hazzan Scott Sokol – a singer and Senior Neuropsychologist of the Gund Learning Diagnostic Center – accompanied by saxophonist Ethan Lander and pianist Steven Belfer. Together, the three classically trained Jewish musicians amplified an educational PowerPoint presentation with live musical performances.

Exploring the profound influence of the Jewish-American diaspora on American music, the evening offered both historical insight and artistic expression.

The State Judiciary is Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month

Throughout May, courtrooms across New York have burst into colorful scenes of music, dance, and the cultural celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage.

At Bronx County Family Court, the 12th Judicial District’s Equal Justice Committees, with the Office for Justice Initiatives, highlighted this year’s AANHPI Heritage theme: “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together.”
Festive storytelling brought cultures together in celebration of the UCS’s AANHPI members.

AANHPI pride is visible in our courts every day with a new AANHPI Heritage commemorative patch, which many Court Officers wear proudly on their uniforms throughout May in an initiative powered by the

Happy AANHPI Heritage Month!

IN THE NEWS: ‘The courts don’t work without them’: New York judges recognize Court Clerk Appreciation Day

Throughout the month of May we celebrate the essential work that Court Clerks do to keep our Court System running.

On Wednesday, May 20th, the historic rotunda at New York County Supreme Court Civil term became a venue for that celebration. Court clerks from across New York came together to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to the administration of justice.

“You represent what is supposed to be good about the system,” said Manhattan County Clerk and former Supreme Court Judge Milton Tingling. “You represent what people are looking for when they come to the court, and that is an awesome responsibility.”

Read the full report by Isabella Gallo for amNY Law: https://loom.ly/NiztJcM

(Photos by David Handschuh)

IN THE NEWS: Keeping justice moving: Inside the unseen world of New York’s court clerks

May is Court Clerk Appreciation Month, and a recent article by reporter Max Parrot for anNYLaw shines a spotlight on the vital work of New York’s Court Clerks. Described as “the engine that keeps New York State’s courts in motion,” the piece highlights the essential role clerks play in keeping our justice system running smoothly.

Valerie James, Chief Clerk of Syracuse City Court, and Yesenia Herrera, Court Clerk Specialist, share their firsthand experiences and the unique challenges clerks navigate as the public-facing backbone of the courts.

We’re continuing the celebration this Wednesday, May 20th, with a Court Clerk Appreciation Ceremony at New York County Supreme Court, Civil Term, 60 Centre Street. It’s an opportunity for Court Clerks from across the system to come together and be recognized for their hard work, professionalism, and dedication to the NYS Unified Court System.

Additionally, courthouses across the State will be holding their own celebrations to honor our Court Clerks and acknowledge the crucial work they perform every day.

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🚨 1 DAY LEFT TO REGISTER 🚨

New York is a big state with big communities, and every single one of them deserves people committed to keeping justice moving. Court Officers come from all walks of life, but they all have one thing in common: they chose to step up.

📅 Register by May 14, 2026
📝 Exam Dates: Aug 26 – Oct 7, 2026

What the role offers:
• Promotion to Court Officer (JG 19) after 2 years
• $58,100 starting salary plus location pay
• Comprehensive benefits package and NYS pension
• Long term career security and advancement opportunities

62 counties. One mission. Your name belongs here. Don’t miss the opportunity to join a team that serves the many great communities across New York.

👉 More info at the link in our bio

⏳ Only 2 days left to apply!

Take the first step toward becoming a New York State Court Officer Trainee — a career built on service, stability, and purpose.

📅 Register by May 14, 2026
📝 Exam Dates: Aug 26 – Oct 7, 2026

The right fit for this role isn't just about qualifications, it's about who you are. People who thrive as Court Officers tend to lead with composure, show up for their communities, and take pride in keeping order when it matters most.
Sound familiar? Then this career was made for you.

What the role offers:
• Promotion to Court Officer (JG 19) after 2 years
• $58,100 starting salary plus location pay
• Comprehensive benefits package and NYS pension
• Long term career security and advancement opportunities

The clock is ticking. Take charge of your future and register today.
👉 More info at the link in our bio

⏳The countdown is on — only 3 days left to register for the NYS Court Officer Trainee Exam!

NYS Court Officers are the reason courtrooms across New York run safely, fairly, and with dignity every single day. If that sounds like the kind of work you were built for, the window to apply is almost closed.

📅 Apply by May 14, 2026

📝 Exam Window: August 26 – October 7, 2026

What the role offers:
• Promotion to Court Officer (JG 19) after 2 years
• $58,100 starting salary plus location pay
• Comprehensive benefits package and NYS pension
• Long term career security and advancement opportunities

Register today to join a team that creates real, daily impact.
👉 More info at the link in our bio

IN THE NEWS: New York's Courts Unveil new Website

A recent interview by Noah Powelson for the Queens Daily Eagle goes in depth about our new NYCOURTS.GOV website with our Website Systems Director, Phillip Yow.

"Users come here because they have to, not by choice," "Even an image of a person in a courthouse smiling, a real photo not a stock image, can bring that anxiousness down one notch."

Hear all about the web redesign process and what's next for the ongoing redesign, here: https://loom.ly/qGtQWAs