John Ciafone - Ballotpedia

John has a bachelor's degree from New York University and a law degree from St. John's School.

John Ciafone ran for Municipal Civil Court judge in 2023, New York City Council in 2021, and Queens Civil Court judge in 2020 but did not win. 

John Ciafone for NYC Council

Worked as a hearing officer for the city's Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) and as a small claims court arbitrator.

As an attorney, has worked on civil rights, criminal defense, family law, and personal injury cases.

Has 27 years of experience as a trial attorney.

- Worked as a hearing officer for the city's Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) and as a small claims court arbitrator.
- Has 27 years of experience as a trial attorney.

Legal Experience

Believes New York’s bail reform laws have increased crime rates, citing a report by the Manhattan Institute that shows significant rises in burglaries, robberies, shootings, and car thefts since the 2018 bail reform.

Believes New York’s bail reform laws have increased crime rates.

Said, "This country is going in the wrong direction and we need to save it... we need the Asian community, whether Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, whatever, wherever you’re from, to support the principles of America."

- Supports law enforcement.
- Believes New York’s bail reform laws have increased crime rates.
- Said, "This country is going in the wrong direction and we need to save it... we need the Asian community, whether Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, whatever, wherever you’re from, to support the principles of America."

Judicial Philosophy

As of June 8, 2025, John Ciafone’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Served as a certified EMT/EMS and won a Health Care Hero Award for service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

- Served as a certified EMT/EMS and won a Health Care Hero Award for service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community Involvement

Twitter

Facebook

John Ciafone

Sheridan earned his bachelor’s degree from Wagner College and his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. He is a current County Committee Member for the Queens Democratic Party. Originally from the Mariners Harbor neighborhood of Staten Island, he now lives in Forest Hills with his wife and two sons.

Sheridan currently owns the Law Office of Sheridan C. Chu PLLC. He previously served as counsel at Travelers Insurance and held attorney roles in the New York State Supreme Court and New York City Criminal Court.

Sheridan Chu’s campaign for judge is his first run for public office.

Queens Dems Voter Guide - Queens Dems

Currently works as an attorney and owner of the Law Office of Sheridan C. Chu PLLC, where he provides legal counsel and representation to clients in criminal defense and tenant rights cases.

Served as counsel at the Strategic Litigation Group for Travelers Insurance from 2023-2024, where he developed litigation strategies and managed legal matters in complex civil cases.

As a principal court attorney at the New York State Supreme Court from 2019-2023, advised judges on legal matters, reviewed case files, drafted judicial opinions, and assisted with sentencing and case negotiations.

As an associate court attorney at the New York City Criminal Court from 2013-2019, provided legal research and recommendations to judges, supported courtroom proceedings, and reviewed motions and case law in criminal matters.

As a pro se attorney at the Red Hook Community Justice Center from 2012-2016, structured and facilitated assistance to self-represented litigants in housing, family, and criminal court, helping them understand court procedures and prepare legal documents.

As a court attorney at the New York City Criminal Court from 2012-2013, assisted judges with legal research, drafted memoranda and decisions, and supported pre-trial proceedings in criminal cases.

- Currently works as an attorney and owner of the Law Office of Sheridan C. Chu PLLC, where he provides legal counsel and representation to clients in criminal defense and tenant rights cases.
- Served as counsel at the Strategic Litigation Group for Travelers Insurance from 2023-2024, where he developed litigation strategies and managed legal matters in complex civil cases.
- As a principal court attorney at the New York State Supreme Court from 2019-2023, advised judges on legal matters, reviewed case files, drafted judicial opinions, and assisted with sentencing and case negotiations.
- As an associate court attorney at the New York City Criminal Court from 2013-2019, provided legal research and recommendations to judges, supported courtroom proceedings, and reviewed motions and case law in criminal matters.
- As a pro se attorney at the Red Hook Community Justice Center from 2012-2016, structured and facilitated assistance to self-represented litigants in housing, family, and criminal court, helping them understand court procedures and prepare legal documents.
- As a court attorney at the New York City Criminal Court from 2012-2013, assisted judges with legal research, drafted memoranda and decisions, and supported pre-trial proceedings in criminal cases.

As a court attorney, focused on tenant rights, public safety, and the integrity of the judicial system.

- As a court attorney, focused on tenant rights, public safety, and the integrity of the judicial system.

As of June 8, 2025, Sheridan Chu’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Serves as a board member of the Chinese-American Planning Council and its Home Attendant Program, advocating for the well-being of the home care workforce and their clients.

- Serves as a board member of the Chinese-American Planning Council and its Home Attendant Program, advocating for the well-being of the home care workforce and their clients.

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Sheridan Chu

- The New York Civil Court has jurisdiction over civil cases involving amounts up to $50,000 and other civil matters referred to it by the Supreme Court.
- It includes a small claims part for informal dispositions of matters not exceeding $10,000 and a housing part for landlord-tenant matters and housing code violations.
- There are 120 judges elected to the Civil Court, but only about 50 sit in it. The remaining judges sit in other courts, such as the Criminal Court or Family Court.
- Judges are elected to 10-year terms in partisan elections.
- They are paid a salary of $216,400.

Judge who handles majority of civil cases in New York

Queens

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