The Honorable Sheila Abdus-Salaam

LSNYC joins in offering our condolences to the family and friends of the Honorable Sheila Abdus-Salaam, Associate Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals.

Appointed in 2013, she was the first African American woman to serve on the Court of Appeals since its formation in 1847. She was also an alumna of Legal Services NYC, having started her legal career at our program in East New York in the late 1970s.

Judge Abdus-Salaam will be known, among other things, for her recent decision in two cases that expanded the legal definition of parenthood. She wrote in Matter of Brooke S.B. v. Elizabeth A. C.C., 91, and Matter of Estrellita A. v. Jennifer D., 92, that the definition of “parent” established by the Court 25 years ago had become unworkable when applied to increasingly varied familial relationships, particularly in light of the 2011 legalization of same-sex marriage in New York state. These cases will help to make it possible for LGBT parents to remain connected to their children even when they are not legally married.

Judge Abdus-Salaam was a long time friend of LSNYC, with a deep commitment to our mission and our clients. She had a sweet, genuine personality and will be missed by all who knew her.