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Welcome
The New York State Unified Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives promotes meaningful, equal access to justice for everyone entering or serving in a New York State court regardless of income, background, or ability. The Honorable Edwina G. Richardson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives, leads the Office.
The Office for Justice Initiatives has several focus areas: Access to Justice; Child Welfare & Family Justice; Diversity, Inclusion & Equal Justice in the Courts; Guardianship Matters and Elder Justice; Problem Solving Justice; and Youth & Emerging Adult Justice. The Office for Justice Initiatives also provides programmatic oversight for the Judiciary Civil Legal Services grant, which supports essentials-of-life legal needs for underserved communities throughout the state.
Administration
Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives
Hon. Edwina G. Richardson
[email protected]
Chief of Staff
Michelle Smith, Esq.
Deputy Chief of Staff
Rosemary Martinez-Borges, Esq.
Special Counsel
Beck Zucker, Esq.
UCS Mission Statement
The mission of the Unified Court System (UCS) is to deliver equal justice under the law and to achieve the just, fair and timely resolution of all matters that come before our courts.
In the service of our mission, the UCS is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, and to ensuring that all who enter or serve in our courts are treated with respect, dignity and professionalism. We affirm our responsibility to promote a court system free from any and all forms of bias and discrimination and to promote a judiciary and workforce that reflect the rich diversity of New York State.
Law Day Report 2026
Law Day, celebrated annually on May 1, offers an opportunity to reflect on and discuss the rule of law and its role in our society. Each year, the American Bar Association releases a new theme to guide these discussions and this year's theme is "the Rule of Law and the American Dream."
In recognition of this important day, the Unified Court System's Office for Justice Initiatives, led by Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Edwina G. Richardson, issues a report spotlighting the synergy between the values celebrated on Law Day and the Office's work.
The Office for Justice Initiatives is pleased to share its 2026 report with you! We invite you to review it and share questions or feedback with the Office for Justice Initiatives at [email protected].