2026 New York General Election

For the last 5 years, I have served as Justice Francois A. Rivera's Principal Law Clerk in the Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term. Justice Rivera presides over a myriad of actions including, but not limited to, personal injury, foreclosures, defamation, and discrimination.

Candidate Responses May 2023 Meeting — Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn

As a Principal Law Clerk, I have been honing my research and drafting skills. I regularly review pre-trial motions, prepare jury charges, verdict sheets, and conference matters.

Betsey Jean-Jacques graduated from Syracuse University College of Law and began her legal career in 2007 with the Mental Hygiene Legal Service in the Appellate Division, Second Department, where she tried over 1,200 cases. She has also worked in the New York County Family Court and the Kings County Supreme Civil Court.

9 Supreme Court hopefuls

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — The Brooklyn Bar Association hosted a reception on Thursday evening, welcoming Hon. Betsey Jean-Jacques and Hon. Emily Ruben to the Matrimonial Bench of the Kings County Supreme Court.

Hon. Jeffrey Sunshine, Statewide Coordinating Judge for Matrimonial Matters, served as the event’s main speaker, which took place at the Bar Association’s headquarters at 123 Remsen St.

Two new judges welcomed to matrimonial bench

Served five years as a principal law clerk in Kings County Supreme Court's Civil Term, reviewing pretrial motions and preparing jury instructions, verdict forms, and conference matters.

Began her legal career in 2007 with the Mental Hygiene Legal Service in the Appellate Division, Second Department, where she tried over 1,200 cases.

Serves as a judge handling matrimonial cases in Kings County Supreme Court.

- Served five years as a principal law clerk in Kings County Supreme Court's Civil Term, reviewing pretrial motions and preparing jury instructions, verdict forms, and conference matters.
- Began her legal career in 2007 with the Mental Hygiene Legal Service in the Appellate Division, Second Department, where she tried over 1,200 cases.
- Worked in New York County Family Court.
- Serves as a judge handling matrimonial cases in Kings County Supreme Court.

Legal Experience

What interventions and resources are required to ensure that all judges and court personnel competently and respectfully serve and work with the LGBTQ community? What steps will you take to secure the necessary resources to implement the interventions?

I believe that diversity, bias and cultural competence training is important for all persons who serve in the Court system.  At this time, Justice Rivera and I are working to make the decisions made more gender-neutral.  We try not to make assumptions about any litigant or attorney. Therefore, our questions are carefully articulated to not presume and leave room for the individual to identify themselves as they so choose.

Jean-Jacques was asked what she would bring to the table as part of the Supreme Court.

“One of the things that is unique about me is that before I was a lawyer, I was a social worker,” Jean-Jacques said. “I have seen people at their most vulnerable moments. I also represented the mentally ill. I think that seeing people as opposed to just a docket, in addition to being a good listener, is very important.”

Jean-Jacques described herself as a person who values the law and the legal process.

“This is such an honor and a privilege,” she told the Brooklyn Eagle. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity. I hope to bring fairness and equity to my new role, and will work as hard and as expeditiously as I can.”

Believes court-system personnel should receive diversity, bias, and cultural-competence training.

Said judges should see people as more than docket entries and be good listeners.

Said she aims to bring fairness and equity to her judicial role and work expeditiously.

- Believes court-system personnel should receive diversity, bias, and cultural-competence training.
- Said judges should see people as more than docket entries and be good listeners.
- Said she aims to bring fairness and equity to her judicial role and work expeditiously.

Judicial Philosophy

I will be vigilant in adhering to the Rules of Judicial Conduct and the Unified Court System’s Bench Card and Best Practices for Judges regarding the use of LGBTQ+ inclusive language and pronouns.
I currently avoid terms and phrases that are gender-specific and will continue to do so.

I will require in my part rules that all papers filed or submitted to the court are to be gender neutral.
I will remind the public in my courtroom not to make assumptions regarding sexual orientation or gender identity
I would demand professionalism and prohibit the use of derogatory terms; proactively addressing any comments or actions made by anyone in the courtroom.

Plans to require gender-neutral language in documents filed or submitted to her courtroom.

- Plans to require gender-neutral language in documents filed or submitted to her courtroom.

Judicial Administration

As of September 9, 2026, Betsey Jean Jacques did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Betsey Jean Jacques

As of September 9, 2026, Betsey Jean Jacques’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

Patel was born in the North Western region of India but was raised in New York, moving to Woodside, Queens, when she was 5 years old and ultimately to Manhattan’s Upper East Side some years later.

Hon. Hemalee Patel Inducted as NY Civil Court Judge

She is a graduate of New York University and Brooklyn Law School and a member of numerous bar associations, including the South Asian Bar Association of New York, Bay Ridge Lawyers and Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, of which she is a former president.

She later started her career as a private practitioner specializing in matrimonial and family law.

Patel currently lives in Brooklyn with her husband, Unmesh Kher, and their children.

Hemalee J. Patel was born in northwestern India and raised in New York. She graduated from New York University and Brooklyn Law School. She is married to Unmesh Kher, and they have children.

Hon. Hemalee Patel inducted as NY Civil Court judge - Brooklyn Eagle

She was previously the general counsel for the New York City Board of Elections from 2021 to 2024. Prior to joining the board, Patel was a court attorney-referee for civil and matrimonial matters for the Supreme Court of Richmond County.

Prior to joining the board, Patel was a court attorney-referee for civil and matrimonial matters for the Supreme Court of Richmond County. From 2001 to 2011, she served as a principal law clerk to two matrimonial judges in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

From 2001 to 2011, she served as a principal law clerk to two matrimonial judges in Brooklyn and Manhattan. She later started her career as a private practitioner specializing in matrimonial and family law.

Hemalee previously worked as general counsel for the New York City Board of Elections. She also worked as a court attorney-referee for civil and matrimonial matters for the Supreme Court of Richmond County, served as a principal law clerk to two matrimonial judges in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and worked as a private practitioner specializing in matrimonial and family law.

Hemalee Patel, General Counsel at the NYC Board of Elections and an active member of the Brooklyn Bar Association, won the only contested election. Patel secured her seat as a Civil Court judge with 58,799 votes, defeating Benjamin Lieberman, who received 40,084 votes. Jacob Zelmanovitz was also elected as a Civil Court judge in the 5th District, receiving 83,748 votes.

Election Brings Fresh Slate of Judges to Brooklyn

Patel previously ran unsuccessfully for the seat of civil court judge in 2017, seeking to become Brooklyn’s first elected judge of South Asian descent at the time. Running from the 6th Municipal District, she was endorsed then by politicians and clubs, including Council Member Brad Lander and the Independent Neighborhood Democrats.

Hemalee Patel Runs for the Seat of the Civil Court Judge from Brooklyn

Hemalee was elected as a Civil Court judge. She previously ran unsuccessfully for Civil Court judge in 2017.

Hemalee Patel runs for the seat of the Civil Court Judge from Brooklyn - News India Times

If you have not been active in the court room, please provide information about your experience that is relevant to the position of judge of the civil court. Please use this space to tell us more about how your legal experience would inform your work as judge.

Please use this space to tell us more about how your legal experience would inform your work as judge.

I am currently a Court Attorney-Referee in Richmond County Supreme Court, where I conduct trials and hearings on financial issues in matrimonial matters, including equitable distribution, child support and maintenance. My duties include issuing decisions or reports in a timely manner, supervising discovery and deciding motions, including post-judgment applications. I am also responsible for the management and administration of my own calendar and part, and have gained valuable experience in the logistics of scheduling and conducting trials. Further, I have become very familiar with administrative requirements and court computer systems.

Hemalee J. Patel | Civic Juice

I am currently a Court Attorney-Referee in Richmond County Supreme Court, where I conduct trials and hearings on financial issues in matrimonial matters, including equitable distribution, child support and maintenance. My duties include issuing decisions or reports in a timely manner, supervising discovery and deciding motions, including post-judgment applications. I am also responsible for the management and administration of my own calendar and part, and have gained valuable experience in the logistics of scheduling and conducting trials. Further, I have become very familiar with administrative requirements and court computer systems.

As a Court Attorney-Referee in Richmond County Supreme Court, conducted trials and hearings on financial issues in divorce cases, including property division, child support, and maintenance.

Served as general counsel for the New York City Board of Elections from 2021 to 2024.

Served as a Court Attorney-Referee for civil and divorce matters in Richmond County Supreme Court.

Served as a principal law clerk to two matrimonial judges in Brooklyn and Manhattan from 2001 to 2011.

Practiced privately in matrimonial and family law.

- As a Court Attorney-Referee in Richmond County Supreme Court, conducted trials and hearings on financial issues in divorce cases, including property division, child support, and maintenance.
- Served as general counsel for the New York City Board of Elections from 2021 to 2024.
- Served as a Court Attorney-Referee for civil and divorce matters in Richmond County Supreme Court.
- Served as a principal law clerk to two matrimonial judges in Brooklyn and Manhattan from 2001 to 2011.
- Practiced privately in matrimonial and family law.

What is your judicial philosophy? How would your philosophy impact your decisions as a judge?
I believe that laws are universal, but they must be applied to each particular case, because each case has unique circumstances. I believe that judges interpret the law, determining its meaning and sometimes the intent of those who wrote it.

What are your views on the use of judicial discretion and of judicial restraint?
I believe it is the court's obligation to uphold the law however, I recognize the law should be a living, changing thing to reflect our times and the needs of society. Judges must not be afraid to make decisions to push for needed change.

If you are currently or have been a judge: please tell us about your process for making judgments.
Not sure how to answer. A judge is required to listen to the sworn testimony and consider relevant evidence and apply the law to the facts of each case in a fair and impartial way.

Hemalee J. Patel

“The quality of our lives is directly and deeply influenced by those who serve the public and I consider myself privileged to be a civil servant—and try always to be one in the truest sense. This means, to my mind, that I must not only do my best, but convey that intention by being at all times honest, fair and courteous to the parties and attorneys who appear before me,” said Patel. “Beyond that, I believe that the quality of my work and persona must inspire confidence in our judicial system and address the needs and requirements of both the litigants and the court.”

Hemalee J. Patel Seeks to Become Brooklyn's First South Asian Judge

Believes judges should apply universal laws to each case's unique circumstances and interpret their meaning and, at times, legislative intent.

Believes courts must uphold the law while recognizing it should evolve with society, and judges should make decisions that advance needed change.

Said judges should hear sworn testimony, consider relevant evidence, and apply the law fairly and impartially to the facts of each case.

Said judicial service requires being honest, fair, and courteous to parties and attorneys and inspiring confidence in the court system.

- Believes judges should apply universal laws to each case's unique circumstances and interpret their meaning and, at times, legislative intent.
- Believes courts must uphold the law while recognizing it should evolve with society, and judges should make decisions that advance needed change.
- Said judges should hear sworn testimony, consider relevant evidence, and apply the law fairly and impartially to the facts of each case.
- Said judicial service requires being honest, fair, and courteous to parties and attorneys and inspiring confidence in the court system.

How will you work with pro se (self-represented) clients appearing in court?
I have many years of experience with self-represented litigants. I have no issues working with them - I know to give them extra time and explain the process and allow them to question and present their side.

How would you seek to improve the justice system via your position as a civil court judge? What legislative or administrative changes would you advance?
Policy would be outside my duties and responsibilities however I would ensure my courtroom is run in an efficient and inclusive manner, serving the needs of the court and the litigants.

I strive at all times to conduct my work in a serious, patient and thoughtful manner. All litigants are, of course, entitled to have their day in court and I know it is important, especially in Matrimonial actions, that the court have access to all vital and competent evidence available, so that a reasoned and fair result may be reached. Nevertheless, I recognize that the parties are often better served by a settlement of the very personal and sensitive issues in divorces, as this can save them the considerable financial and emotional costs of litigation.

In working with attorneys, I always keep in mind and respect the calendar management issues faced by those in small or solo matrimonial practices in Richmond and Kings County. I also have accumulated extensive experience with self-represented litigants.

Plans to give self-represented litigants extra time, explain court procedures, and allow them to ask questions and present their side.

Plans to run an efficient and inclusive courtroom that serves the needs of litigants and the court.

Believes settlements can better serve parties in divorce cases by reducing the financial and emotional costs of litigation.

Said she considers calendar-management challenges facing attorneys in small or solo divorce practices in Richmond and Kings counties.

- Plans to give self-represented litigants extra time, explain court procedures, and allow them to ask questions and present their side.
- Plans to run an efficient and inclusive courtroom that serves the needs of litigants and the court.
- Believes settlements can better serve parties in divorce cases by reducing the financial and emotional costs of litigation.
- Said she considers calendar-management challenges facing attorneys in small or solo divorce practices in Richmond and Kings counties.

As of September 9, 2026, Hemalee J. Patel did not have a website or any information online.

Community Affiliations and Membership


Girl Scout Troop Leader; Co-Chair of Give Back Committee at Brooklyn School of Inquiry PTO; former member of Community Board 2 and chair of Transportation and Public Safety Committee (Brooklyn); former volunteer and board member of Sakhi for South Asian Women; former board member Center for Anti-Violence Education; mentor through Brooklyn Law School Alumni Assoc;

Co-chairs the Give Back Committee at Brooklyn School of Inquiry Parent-Teacher Organization.

Served on Brooklyn Community Board 2 and chaired its Transportation and Public Safety Committee.

Volunteered with and served on the board of Sakhi for South Asian Women.

Served on the board of the Center for Anti-Violence Education.

- Serves as a Girl Scout troop leader.
- Co-chairs the Give Back Committee at Brooklyn School of Inquiry Parent-Teacher Organization.
- Served on Brooklyn Community Board 2 and chaired its Transportation and Public Safety Committee.
- Volunteered with and served on the board of Sakhi for South Asian Women.
- Served on the board of the Center for Anti-Violence Education.

LinkedIn

Hemalee J. Patel

As of September 9, 2026, Hemalee J. Patel’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Hemalee most recently served as general counsel for the New York City Board of Elections. She previously worked as a court attorney-referee for civil and matrimonial matters in the Supreme Court of Richmond County, as a principal law clerk to matrimonial judges in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and in private practice specializing in matrimonial and family law.

Milan Parker

Lola Waterman - Ballotpedia

Lola attended Arizona State University and New York Law School.

Lola worked as a Special Referee for Uncontested Matrimonial Matters and Principal Law Clerk to a Supreme Court Justice at the New York State Unified Court System.

Lola Waterman is a judge for Brooklyn 2nd Municipal Court District of the New York City Civil Court Kings County.

Worked as a Special Referee for Uncontested Matrimonial Matters.

- Worked as a Special Referee for Uncontested Matrimonial Matters.

As of September 9, 2026, Lola Waterman did not have a website or any information online.

Facebook

Lola Waterman

As of September 9, 2026, Lola Waterman’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Sherveal Mimes has built a long career in New York’s legal system, transitioning from a principal court attorney to a judge, with extensive experience in both judicial administration and legal education. Mimes received her juris doctor from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis.

9 Supreme Court hopefuls | Brooklyn Eagle

Sherveal Mimes earned a law degree from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis.

Brooklyn Dems judicial forum showcases 9 Supreme Court hopefuls

Sherveal earned a law degree from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis.

Sherveal Mimes previously worked as a principal court attorney.

Sherveal previously worked as a principal court attorney.

## Brooklyn (Kings County)
### Brooklyn Civil Part

Pacheco, Carmen A. (Supervising Judge)

Baron, Elena
Berman, Tehilah H.

Edwards, Ellen E.

Eze, Chidi A.

Fynes, Pamela Patton
Haskin, Turquoise
Holaman, Monique J
Kagan, Mark
Kennedy, Odessa
Malik, Rena
Mimes, Sherveal R.
Ortiz, Javier
Riley, Alexis
Roper, Sandra Elena

NYC Civil Court Judges | New York Courts

Sherveal currently serves as a judge in the Brooklyn Civil Part of New York City Civil Court.

NYC Civil Court Judges | New York Courts - Unified Court System

Sherveal Mimes currently serves as a judge in the Brooklyn Civil Part of New York City Civil Court.

Served as a principal court attorney in New York’s legal system.

Served as a judge in New York’s legal system.

- Served as a principal court attorney in New York’s legal system.
- Served as a judge in New York’s legal system.

As of September 9, 2026, Sherveal Mimes did not have a website or any information online.

When questioned about artificial intelligence and its use in the courthouse, Mimes responded, “I think that AI is here to stay, and we have to figure out how we are going to navigate it and balance some of its risks.” Mimes said she would like to retire from the bench with people saying she was a smart and thoughtful judge who was passionate about what she did, when asked what legacy she would like to leave as a Supreme Court jurist.

Says courts must navigate artificial intelligence and balance its risks.

- Says courts must navigate artificial intelligence and balance its risks.

Sherveal Mimes

As of September 9, 2026, Sherveal Mimes’s website did not contain information on this issue.

William D. Spain, Jr. has served as a Director of the Company since 2000, as a Director of Mahopac National Bank since 1991, and as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mahopac National Bank since 2000. He has been the Managing Partner of Spain & Spain, PC, a law firm in Mahopac, New York, since 1983. Mr. Spain is also a General Partner in W. D. Spain & Sons, LLP, a family limited partnership that owns Common Stock of the Company. Mr. Spain is a member of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department, among other community organizations. We believe Mr. Spain’s qualifications to sit on our Board of Directors include his strong connections to the business community in and around the Hudson Valley, coupled with his nearly twenty years of service as a bank Director. We also note Mr. Spain’s involvement, through board service and in other capacities, with civic organizations in the Hudson Valley.

tompkins_def14a.htm (DEF 14A)

William D. Spain Jr. is a member of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department.

William D. Spain, Jr. has served as a Director of the Company since 2000, as a Director of Mahopac National Bank since 1991, and as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mahopac National Bank since 2000. He has been the Managing Partner of Spain & Spain, PC, a law firm in Mahopac, New York, since 1983. Mr. Spain is also a General Partner in W. D. Spain & Sons, LLP, a family limited partnership that owns Common Stock of the Company. Mr. Spain is a member of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department, among other community organizations.

The Town also submitted the affidavit of William Spain, the former Carmel Town Attorney, Putnam County Attorney, and Carmel Zoning Board Chairman, in which he opined that the Melchners had illegally expanded the marina, contributing to overcrowding, dangerous boating conditions, and increased garbage and noise on the lake.

ny app div rep 3d v105

William has served as managing partner of Spain & Spain, PC, a law firm in Mahopac. He previously served as Putnam County attorney and Carmel town attorney.

Spain, who as of Wednesday (March 11) had not filed with the state Board of Elections, is a former county attorney for Putnam and the brother of Compton Spain, the current attorney.

Putnam Conservatives Announce Slate

Has served as managing partner at Spain & Spain, PC since 1983.

- Has served as managing partner at Spain & Spain, PC since 1983.
- Served as Putnam County attorney.
- Served as Carmel town attorney.

As of September 9, 2026, William D. Spain Jr did not have a website or any information online.

Is a member of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department.

- Is a member of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department.

William D. Spain Jr

As of September 9, 2026, William D. Spain Jr’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- The  New York Supreme Court is the state-wide trial court with the broadest jurisdiction in criminal and civil matters. However, it is not the state’s court of last resort.
- It can hear virtually any type of case brought before it, except for claims brought against the state which must be heard by the Court of Claims. Generally, it hears high-level criminal cases or civil cases with a judgment of more than $50,000.
- It is the only court that can grant divorce, annulment, and separation in New York.
- The New York Supreme Court is broken into 12 judicial districts state-wide. There are currently 154 justices authorized to sit in the New York City Supreme Court, but only 136 actually serve in Supreme Court trial parts because some of the justices are assigned to the Appellate Division or the Appellate Term.
- Justices of the Supreme Court are elected to serve 14-year terms and are paid a salary of $232,600.

A judge on your judicial district’s trial court which oversees criminal and civil matters. 

New York Supreme Court Judge, 2nd District

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New York Supreme Court Judge, 2nd District

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Community Involvement

Candidates (5)
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