Hon. Dianne T. Renwick, Presiding Justice
Susanna Molina Rojas, Clerk of the Court
October 17, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Susanna Molina Rojas
Clerk of the Court
212-340-0400
Presiding Justice Renwick Announces the Appointment of the
Director of the Office of the Attorneys for Children and
Administrator of the Family Assigned Counsel Plan for the First Judicial Department
Today, Presiding Justice Dianne T. Renwick announced the appointment, effective October 9, 2025, of Wendy Claffee, Esq., as Director of the Office of the Attorneys for Children and the Administrator of the Family Assigned Counsel Plan for the First Judicial Department. In her new capacity, Ms. Claffee will be responsible for the operational oversight of the attorneys assigned to represent children and parents in family law proceedings in Family, Supreme and Criminal Courts, as well as the appellate courts. As Director and Administrator, Ms. Claffee will serve several functions, including evaluating attorneys seeking appointment to the plan; assigning attorneys to ensure coverage; investigating complaints against plan attorneys; coordinating CLE training, supervising staff; and acting as liaison between plan attorneys and court personnel, city officials and bar groups.
Wendy Claffee brings a wealth of experience to the position, having practiced as a family law attorney in the First Judicial Department for over 35 years. Her extensive experience in the representation of children and adults includes serving as Deputy Director of the Office of Attorneys for Children, and having her own practice, specializing in family and matrimonial matters. As a practicing attorney, Ms. Claffee was a long serving member of the Family Assigned Counsel Plan. Prior to establishing her practice, she worked at the Office of Legal Affairs for the City of New York, as a supervising attorney on child abuse and neglect matters.