CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – District Administrative Judge Hon. Andrew Crecca is proud to announce
that the Suffolk County Courts held their inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service program, a one-day community initiative offering free legal services in honor of Dr. King’s legacy of civic engagement and public service. Taking place in both the Central Jury Room and the Supreme Court Law Library of the John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex in Central Islip, the event marked the first time in Suffolk County that the New York Unified Court System’s Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission partnered with the Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center to deliver publicfacing legal services.
Throughout the day, Touro University law students and volunteer attorneys assisted court users with a
range of civil legal matters, including uncontested divorce cases, child or spousal support matters, initial
custody and visitation filings, and name change applications. Participants received hands-on guidance
with completing court forms, understanding court procedures, and learning about additional legal and
community resources. The program was designed to assist individuals who may otherwise face barriers
navigating the legal system, while simultaneously providing law students with experiential training and
mentorship from members of the bar.
Prior to the day’s launch of legal services, a reception was held between law students, attorneys, judges,
and court staff.
Dr. King taught us that each and every act of service – no matter how seemingly
small – is important,” said District Administrative Judge Hon. Andrew Crecca to the large crowd, which included more than 60 law students and 15 volunteer attorneys. “I know that the help and guidance provided by our volunteers today will make a real and tangible difference in the lives of many people.”
Suffolk’s first Day of Service program was a resounding success, with 45 individuals pre-registering for legal assistance and an additional 10 people who were assisted on a walk-in basis. The program remained fully engaged from start to finish, as judges and staff throughout the day coordinated the steady flow of court users, law students, and volunteer attorneys among the many private consultation stations that were set up across the court facility.
The program was overseen by Acting Supreme Court Justice Hon. Cheryl Joseph, Supervising Judge of Suffolk County’s Matrimonial Parts and Chair of the Equal Justice in the Courts Committee for Suffolk County, who, along with Zenith Taylor, Esq., Statewide Civic Engagement Coordinator for the New York Unified Court System, spearheaded the initiative.
By bringing together the public, law students, and members of the bar, this program fosters a spirit of service and civic responsibility,” Judge Joseph said during the morning reception. “It will strengthen the relationship between the courts and the community we serve while providing meaningful assistance to those in need.”
The Suffolk County Courts’ Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service underscored Dr. King’s enduring legacy by expanding access to legal assistance and reaffirming the judiciary’s role in promoting fairness and dignity within the justice system.
This program brought service, education, and community partnership together in a powerful way,” Judge Crecca said after the affair. “It represents an important step forward in advancing the court’s pledge to equal access to justice for all.”
