Biography of Justice Suzanne Adams | NYCOURTS.GOV

Suzanne Adams received her bachelor's degree in journalism from Penn State University in 1996 and her law degree from Hofstra University Law School in 1998.

Prior to becoming a judge, Suzanne worked as a litigator in the New York State Courts for almost 20 years, including as a managing partner of a law firm.

Suzanne currently serves as the Administrative Judge for Manhattan Civil Supreme Court. She previously served as an Acting Supreme Court Justice in New York County from 2020 to 2024.

Served as an Acting Supreme Court Justice in New York County.

As an Acting Supreme Court Justice in New York County, oversaw jury trials for all types of civil litigation.

As the Administrative Judge for Manhattan Civil Supreme Court, oversees the day-to-day operation of 60 Supreme Court Justices, 285 court staff (non-uniform), 104 court staff (uniform), and 121 chambers staff.

- As an Acting Supreme Court Justice in New York County, oversaw jury trials for all types of civil litigation.
- As the Administrative Judge for Manhattan Civil Supreme Court, oversees the day-to-day operation of 60 Supreme Court Justices, 285 court staff (non-uniform), 104 court staff (uniform), and 121 chambers staff.

Legal Experience

As of September 15, 2025, Suzanne Adams did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Philosophy

Suzanne J. Adams, Scrutinize

As a state supreme court judge, favored commercial bonds 78.9%  of the time, higher than 31.12%  of judges in the dataset. That means families had to pay bail bond companies fees they wouldn’t get back instead of using court options that refund money.

As a state supreme court judge, made court-run bail more expensive in 97.4% of cases, higher than 61.33% of judges in the dataset. This limits families’ access to affordable, refundable bail choices.

- As a state supreme court judge, favored commercial bonds 78.9%  of the time, higher than 31.12%  of judges in the dataset. That means families had to pay bail bond companies fees they wouldn’t get back instead of using court options that refund money.
- As a state supreme court judge, made court-run bail more expensive in 97.4% of cases, higher than 61.33% of judges in the dataset. This limits families’ access to affordable, refundable bail choices.

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Suzanne Adams to Serve as New Administrative Judge for ...

Served as a board member of the Columbian Lawyers Association.

Serves as a "mentor to aspiring legal professionals through initiatives like the New York County Special Masters Diversity Program and the Richard Failla LGBTQ+ Commission."

- Served as a board member of the Columbian Lawyers Association.
- Serves as a "mentor to aspiring legal professionals through initiatives like the New York County Special Masters Diversity Program and the Richard Failla LGBTQ+ Commission."

Community Involvement

Suzanne Adams

As administrative judge, implemented policies to enhance the judicial process.

As a state supreme court judge, favored commercial bonds 78.9%  of the time, higher than 31.12%  of judges in the dataset.

As a state supreme court judge, blocked affordable bail in 97.4% of bail cases, higher than 61.33% of judges in the dataset.

- As a state supreme court judge, favored commercial bonds 78.9%  of the time, higher than 31.12%  of judges in the dataset.
- As a state supreme court judge, blocked affordable bail in 97.4% of bail cases, higher than 61.33% of judges in the dataset.

Suzanne received her bachelor's degree in journalism from Penn State University in 1996 and her law degree from Hofstra University Law School in 1998.

Suzanne Adams currently serves as the Administrative Judge for Manhattan Civil Supreme Court. She previously served as an Acting Supreme Court Justice in New York County from 2020 to 2024.

Suzanne Adams - Ballotpedia

Meet the Female Judges of the TICL and Trial Lawyers Sections ...

Suzanne is currently a member of the New York City Civil Court, representing Manhattan's 9th Municipal Court District. She was elected in 2017 and is currently serving her first term. She is also an Acting Supreme Court Justice in New York County. Adams is running in a special election for judge of the New York Supreme Court 1st Judicial District. She is on the ballot in the special general election on November 4, 2025.

- The  New York Supreme Court is the state-wide trial court with the broadest jurisdiction in criminal and civil matters. However, it is not the state’s court of last resort.
- It can hear virtually any type of case brought before it, except for claims brought against the state which must be heard by the Court of Claims. Generally, it hears high-level criminal cases or civil cases with a judgment of more than $50,000.
- It is the only court that can grant divorce, annulment, and separation in New York.
- The New York Supreme Court is broken into 12 judicial districts state-wide. There are currently 154 justices authorized to sit in the New York City Supreme Court, but only 136 actually serve in Supreme Court trial parts because some of the justices are assigned to the Appellate Division or the Appellate Term.
- Justices of the Supreme Court are elected to serve 14-year terms and are paid a salary of $232,600.

A judge on your judicial district’s trial court which oversees criminal and civil matters. 