High praise
Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Brooklyn Democratic Party chair and assemblymember, said it’s been a privilege knowing Howard personally and professionally, and her elevation from Housing Court to New York City Civil Court is well earned.
“It reflects decades of service, careful judgment and steady commitment to fairness, neighborhoods and everyday lives,” Bichotte Hermelyn said. “Brooklyn is better served because Judge Howard is on the bench.”
Hon. Adam Silvera, deputy chief administrative judge for NYC Courts, noted that justice is not an abstract concept and lives in the everyday struggles of real people, “families fighting eviction, workers seeking unpaid wages, neighbors resolving disputes.”
“Tonight we introduced a judge who has devoted her career to understanding that fundamental truth,” Silvera said.
Hon. Frank Seddio also praised Howard and her wife. “We are really fortunate to have such a distinguished couple on the bench,” Seddio said. “Thank you for letting us have the privilege of these two wonderful people serving us here in the Brooklyn judiciary.”
‘Brooklyn got it right’
Hon. Edwina Richardson called Howard “a gift to the legal profession, a gift to the court system and a gift to me.”
Richardson explained that Howard is unique in that she gives care and patience to everyone who appears in her courtroom. “She ensures that people are heard and are treated with care, dignity and respect.”
Jennings called her partner “a loving mother and the sweetest person you’ll ever want to meet.”
“Juliet has a big heart and is incredibly compassionate, and people who come into her courtroom see that,” Jennings added. “We needed someone like her. Brooklyn got it right.”
After being sworn in, Howard addressed the crowd. She expressed extreme appreciation for all the support. She also spoke about relatives no longer with her physically but whose spirits have inspired her and continue to guide her, specifically her mother and grandmother.
“All that I have accomplished is because of their support for me,” Howard said.
Background
Before being elected as a Civil Court judge, Howard sat on the bench in Brooklyn Housing Court for five years. She also served as a court attorney for the New York State Unified Court System in New York County.
Howard’s legal career included serving as an adjunct clinical instructor at Brooklyn Law School’s Elder Law Clinic and as a staff attorney at The Legal Aid Society, Civil Division.
Howard earned her BA from Barnard College of Columbia University, a JD from Brooklyn Law School and an MFA in Creative Writing from The City College of New York.
She is a member of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, the Judicial Friends Association, the International Association of LGBTQ+ Judges, the Brooklyn Bar Association and the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association.
Howard is a widely published poet, author, educator and emerging essayist, as well. For the last 15 years, Howard has curated a monthly community-based literary salon and open mic series in Brooklyn.