Valerie Brathwaite Nelson is an American attorney, politician, and jurist from New York who is serving on the Second Department of the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division (2016 - present) and the New York Supreme Court 11th Judicial District (2005 - present).
Valerie Brathwaite Nelson | |
|---|---|
| Justice of the New York Supreme Court | |
| Assumed office 2005 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Queens, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Nicholas J. Nelson, Ph.D. |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Syracuse University (BS), George Washington University (JD) |
Early life and education
editBrathwaite Nelson grew up in Queens and attended P.S. 134, Renaissance Middle School, and Campus Magnet High School. She received a B.A from Syracuse University in Political Science where she graduated with honors in three years. Later, she earned a J.D. from George Washington University.[1]
Career
editAfter receiving her J.D., Brathwaite Nelson worked as a law clerk for U.S. Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. She also worked as an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board and the New York State Senate staff[2].
Brathwaite Nelson was appointed to the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division 2nd Department in 2016 by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo. This appointment made her the first African-American woman from Queens to be elevated to Associate Justice of the Appellate Division. The term for this office will end in 2032[1].
In 2004 and 2018, she was elected (then re-elected) to the New York Supreme Court 11th Judicial District[3][4].
Brathwaite Nelson is a Democrat.
Personal life
editBrathwaite Nelson is married to Nicholas J. Nelson, Ph.D. Together, the pair have three children[1].
References
edit- ^ a b c Comrie, Leroy (May 9, 2017). "Valerie Brathwaite Nelson". The New York State Senate. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ "Justices of the Court - Associate Justice Valerie Brathwaite Nelson". Supreme Court of the State of New York Appellate Division Second Judicial Department. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ "Supreme Court Justice - 11th Judicial District". New York State Board of Elections. November 2, 2004.
- ^ "Supreme Court Justice - 11th Judicial District". New York State Board of Elections. November 6, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2024.