This Court has been recognized as being the leader in public outreach and education for the entire New York City Court System. The Honorable Robert J. Gigante and members of the Richmond County Surrogate’s staff have scheduled and participated in seminars and informal question and answer meetings with local community groups.

Most recently the Surrogate and key members of his staff did an outreach at the Hungerford School, a local school serving the mentally challenged and developmentally disabled community, regarding Surrogate Court practice, specifically Guardianships and Article 17A Guardianships.

This is a great opportunity for families of developmentally disabled individuals to come together and discuss their needs while learning about Surrogate’s Court procedures. The participants will be given information regarding Surrogate’s Court and will be introduced to the Surrogate’s Court Help Center.

Surrogate Gigante has made a commitment to bring the Surrogate’s Court into the Staten Island community. Under his leadership, members of the Surrogate’s Staff have participated in various community events, such as career days, school visits, senior center programs, Church functions and Continuing Legal Education Seminars sponsored by the Richmond County Bar Association. The Surrogate maintains an ongoing dialogue with community leaders as to how this Court can further assist and enhance the Staten Island community.

The Surrogate’s Court continually extends summer internships to outstanding students from the Staten Island Community. These young adults have all expressed an interest in a legal career.

For example, the Summer 2009 group included four high school students, two college students and four law school students. They attended the following Schools/Universities: Staten Island Technical High School, New York University, Monmouth University, Brooklyn Law School, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and Pace University Law School.

Student interns have the opportunity to view Court proceedings, conference cases and then discuss these matters directly with the Surrogate and members of the law department. The interns are also afforded the opportunity to experience the world of a pro-se litigant by working with the Richmond County Surrogate’s Court Help Center. Law School students are also involved with researching and writing decisions on active Court matters.

In addition, the Richmond County Surrogate’s Court was the pioneer selected for the Student Ambassador Program. It is an internship program where the student is exposed to various aspects of Surrogate’s Court work. The student then goes into the community to report on the opportunities offered at our particular court. We have also led the down-state Courts in internships at the Law School, Graduate, College and High School levels. At any one given time, our Court has hosted up to six interns in various programs throughout our court.

If you a interested in interning at the Richmond County Surrogate’s Court please contact:

Deputy Chief Clerk
Jane E. Stilwell
(718) 675-8502