S9 EP1 Judge Avion M Benjamin - An advocate for fairness, diversity and the value of womanhood
2Avion M. Benjamin is a trailblazing judge serving on the New Jersey Vicinage 5 Superior Court, earning her bachelor's degree from Binghamton University and her J.D. from The George Washington University Law School, which is one of the oldest and best law schools in Washington, D.C., ranked as the 23rd best law school in the country by "U.S. News & World Report" in 2020. By the way, (JD) stands for Juris Doctor degree, a professional degree required to practice law.
She took and passed both bar exams for both New York and New Jersey!
Prior to her appointment, Judge Benjamin honed her legal skills through various roles. She worked as an associate at Lomurro, Davison, Eastman & Munoz from 2002 to 2004 before joining the City of Newark Law Department as Assistant Corporation Counsel.
Over the years, she rose through the ranks, becoming Assistant Section Chief in the Civil Litigation Section in 2006, then serving as Section Chief from 2009 to 2015, followed by First Assistant Corporation Counsel from 2015 to 2020, when she was appointed to the Superior Court by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D), and a position which extends until 2027, with the possibility of reappointment that could see her serving until the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Then Judge Benjamin presided over non-dissolution matters, including paternity testing, child support, child custody, visitation, and emergency appeals. She approaches her duties with compassion and professionalism, earning the respect of her peers and the community she serves.
Judge Benjamin's personal journey is one of resilience and determination. Raised by a single mother, they moved from Trinidad to Florida, then to New York, where she completed elementary school and attended high school in the Bronx…. her appointment is a unique milestone for West Indian representation and diversity in the judicial system. As a Black Catholic Caribbean-American woman, immigrant, she embodies the values of inclusivity and equality. Her presence in positions of power is a testament to the importance of seeing more women of color in leadership roles, in a society where representation and conversations on race, gender, and equality are now at the forefront. Driven, ambitious, knowledgeable, and proudly Caribbean, Judge Avion Benjamin is a beacon of inspiration and the embodiment of the popular hashtag #caribbeangirlmagic. Notably, her court chambers proudly displays a small Trini flag, in recognition of her Caribbean heritage.
-Creator/Host: Ozzie Stewart @otc__podcast20
-Guest: Judge Avion M Benjamin #caribbeangirlmagic
-Exec. Producer - Ozzie Stewart
-Camera: "Cheeze"
-Graphics Design: Kevin Tinsley
-Editor/Music: Cheese Slice Films @cheeseslicefilms
--Website: James Bailey
-Art: Kenwyn Crichlow
-Sponsored by: Consul General - Mr. J. Andre Laveau, of Consulate of Trinidad & Tobago, NYC
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