University raises the bar for top New York judge
One of the most esteemed High Court Judges in America will address law students and legal professionals at the 2004 Ledingham Chalmers Law Lecture, at the University of Aberdeen, next week.
The Hon A Gail Prudenti is a highly respected New York State Supreme Court Judge and will deliver the lecture on the subject, The Commercial Courts of the State of New York - why they should be the courts of choice, on Tuesday, July 6, at 6.30pm, at King's College Centre. A reception will be held as a precursor to the lecture from 5.45pm.
Judge Prudenti, a graduate of the University of Aberdeen, was appointed as the Administrative Judge of Suffolk County Court (New York) in 1999 and elected to the New York State Supreme Court in 2001 as one of the youngest female judges in the state.
David Laing of event sponsors, Ledingham Chalmers, said: "We are delighted that this year's Law Lecture has attracted the high profile Judge Prudenti. She is regarded by her peers as a smart, charismatic leader and is recognised not only for her work in Suffolk County Court, but also for her outstanding work as a Supreme Court Justice and Surrogate. Her address is guaranteed to be both educational and inspirational."
Professor Paul Beaumont, Head of School of Law, University of Aberdeen, said: "Justice Gail Prudenti is the first woman to become the Presiding Justice in the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court that sits in Brooklyn. She is probably the first Scottish LLB to hold senior judicial office in the United States. She is ideally placed to speak on her chosen topic.
"I am fascinated by it because I am privileged to be representing the UK in The Hague on negotiations for a new global Treaty dealing with exclusive choice of court clauses."
Until 2001, Judge Prudenti devoted the bulk of her time to her responsibilities as Administrative Judge while continuing to preside over the administration and weekly calendar at Surrogate's Court and serve as an acting Supreme Court Justice.
Her tenure to the bench began in 1992 when she was elected to the State Supreme Court in Suffolk County, after nearly 10 years in private practice, prior to which she served as an assistant district attorney, law clerk and court clerk.
The presiding member of the Judicial Section of the New York State Bar, Judge Prudenti is also an active member of the Executive Committee of the New York State Bar Association, a founding member of the Suffolk County Women's Bar Association, a board director for the Suffolk County Columbian Lawyers Association and the co-chair of the Chief Judge's Task Force on Delay in the Courts.
She is the author of numerous articles and published decision and a frequent lecturer at judicial seminars and law-related functions throughout New York State.
She graduated from the University of Aberdeen in 1978 (LLB), before studying at Marymount College, New York. She is a life-long resident of Suffolk County (New York State), and is married to Suffolk County attorney Robert Cimino.