Chidi Eze inducted as New York City Civil Court judge

From left: Charles Ohaechesi, Hon. Odessa Kennedy, Hon. Chidi Eze and Promise Lumati. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

DOWNTOWN — Nigerian-born Chidi Eze, a civil rights attorney who has dedicated decades of his legal career to advocating for everyday New Yorkers, has finally achieved his dream of becoming a member of the bench.

In a ceremony Sunday evening at St. Francis College, Eze was officially inducted as a New York City Civil Court judge.

“I hope to serve as an inspiration to young people and immigrants as well,” Eze told the Brooklyn Eagle. “You can reach this level if you are persistent and work hard.”

Mistress of Ceremonies Olanike Alabi, alongside Hon. Chidi Eze. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

At the age of 16, Eze’s father passed away but not before instilling in him the values of hard work, integrity and the transformative power of education.

One of his late father’s wishes was for Eze to become an attorney — a vision that would go on to shape his path and fuel his passion for law.

Hon. Chidi Eze with his sister, Daisy Mugisa. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

“I was told from day one, when I was a child, that I was going to be a lawyer, and my older brother was going to be a doctor,” Eze recalled, “and that’s just how it turned out to be!”

Presentation of colors by the Ceremonial Unit of the New York State Court Officers Association. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

According to Eze, education and career goals were very important in his family growing up.

“My father has always called me his counselor, and when he died, I felt it was my duty to honor his wish.”

Professor Gregorio Mayers, Esq. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
‘A story of a man with almost nothing, who still gave everything’

Chidi attended the University of Birmingham Law School in England, where he earned his law degree in 2000. After graduating, Chidi left England and arrived in Brooklyn in 2001 with no family, little support and no guarantee of success.

Percussion and dancing electrify the crowd. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Chidi passed the New York State Bar Exam in 2002, and in 2004, he launched his own law firm in Downtown Brooklyn. Eze was a trial and appellate attorney who focused on civil rights, employment law and mortgage foreclosure defense.

Assemblymember Nikki Lucas, D-60. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, D-42, stated that, “We gather not to just celebrate a title, but to honor a journey — a journey that reminds us why we fight, why we serve, and why faith and perseverance still matter in this world.”

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn speaks. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Eze’s story began with humble beginnings and was not one of unearned advantages or handouts, Bichotte Hermelyn said.

Hon. Chidi Eze alongside Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

“It is a story of a man with almost nothing, who still gave everything,” she added. “Chidi represented people who had no money, no voice and no hope. He didn’t just practice law, he lived it, he breathed it and carried it on his back.”

Hon. Chidi Eze. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo
‘Courts are strongest when they reflect the people that they serve’

Placid Aguwa, Esq., a friend and colleague of Eze, commended him on his courage to run for the position.

Aguwa also applauded Eze’s courage for allowing him to speak at the event.

Placid Aguwa, Esq. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

“Because you know I will pick on you!” he quipped, much to the amusement of the crowd. “But seriously, I expect Chide to be a great judge, with competence, integrity and wisdom.”

Hon. Chidi Eze being sworn in by Carmen Pacheco, supervising judge of the Kings County Civil Court of New York. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Hon. Elena Baron said that the day held special meaning not only for Eze but for herself as well.

“Both Eze and I came to this country with hope, determination and a deep respect for the rule of law,” Baron, who is originally from Russia, explained.

Hon. Chidi Eze alongside Hon. Elena Baron. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

“New York City is a city of immigrants, and our courts are strongest when they reflect the people that they serve.” Baron added that the people of the State of New York are gaining a judge of “exceptional integrity and fairness.”

Hon. Chidi Eze alongside his wife and children. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Eze’s wife, Kinda, called the induction a testament to his integrity and unwavering principled nature.

“You are an inspiration to many, especially our kids, and you certainly set the bar high,” she said. “This is not about a title. It’s about your legacy, love of service and commitment to the community. Congratulations, your honor!”