[BwayDems] J. Machelle Sweeting for Civil Court Judge

[Machelle Sweeting]

Dear Broadway Democrat:  
 
            It is an honor and a privilege to have been found “Most Highly Qualified” for a county-wide vacancy for Civil Court Judge by an Independent Screening Panel.  It is based on my long-standing record of commitment to public service that I am asking for your support.  
                                                                       
            I want to share with you a little about myself.  At birth, I was told by doctors that I would never walk, let alone run.  Despite this, not only did I walk, but I ran and ran fast!  By the age of nine, I had set several national records in the 400 and 800 meter runs.  As a result, I learned early on that regardless of one’s environment, with strength, faith and perseverance, one can overcome the odds.
            Through education and an athletic scholarship, I moved from the Polo Ground Housing Projects to college, and then to Rutgers School of Law, where I established the campus’s first legal training program for high school students.  I then went on to study law in the United Kingdom; Zimbabwe and Botswana, Africa, and was awarded the J. Skelly Wright Prize for my commitment to civil rights, civil liberties, and civil affairs. I now hold the distinction of being the only attorney admitted to practice law in New York, Washington DC, the 2nd Circuit of Virginia, and in the Bahamas.
            The breadth of my personal and professional experience makes me the best qualified candidate in the race. I am a former Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) with over 16 years of experience handling a broad range of civil, criminal and family issues in City, State and Federal Courts.  In this capacity I tried over 1,700 cases and rendered timely decisions in cases involving alleged violations of the Administrative Code and the rules and regulations of the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission.  I served with distinction as an Assistant Corporation Counsel in the NYC Law Department; an ADA in the Brooklyn DA’s Office; and a Law Clerk to a Supreme Court and Appellate Justice. 
I currently serve as a Special Referee in NYS Supreme Court, where I preside over divorce trials and matrimonial proceedings.  I perform these duties with full discretion and without staff.  Since a number of cases involve self-represented litigants, I have demonstrated the patience and well-balanced temperament required to explain the law and its consequences to laypersons.  I always treat litigants, with or without representation, with the utmost respect.  My ability to quickly and accurately evaluate the merits of a case is an invaluable skill in helping parties reach settlement agreements, which helps reduce the time and expense of their litigation.   
            I am proud of the time I have spent in bar associations and community activities.  I currently serve as 2nd Vice President of the NAACP, Mid-Manhattan Branch and Vice President of the National Bar Association’s Law and Religion Section.  At the NYS Bar Association, I was named Empire State Counsel, for providing access to justice for the poor and was awarded for organizing the Most Innovative Legal Program in New York State.  I was also named Arbitrator of the Year by the Association of Small Claims Court Arbitrators.
            I hope you find that my experiences have provided me with a solid foundation upon which to competently serve as a jurist, and to make a positive contribution as your next Civil Court Judge.  Attached is additional information about my candidacy and qualifications.
            Thank you for your time and consideration.  I would be honored to earn your support!
 
                                                                                                Sincerely,
                                                                                                J. Machelle Sweeting, Esq.
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