2026 New York General Election

Vlad Frants

Alejandra Gracias

As of October 15, 2026, Vlad Frants’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Legal Experience

I am proud of our legal system and committed to the application of its laws, but I believe voicelessness plays a part in the outcome for many people who were unable to overcome the gap. Whether it's criminal law or immigration law, or any legal discipline, I truly believe that justice is only rendered when everyone feels they've had access to it, they've understood the system they were part of, and they were heard. And that will be the pillar by which I will measure my own success on any judicial bench.

Vlad Frants for Civil Court

Believes that justice requires people to be able to access and understand the legal system and be heard.

- Believes that justice requires people to be able to access and understand the legal system and be heard.

Judicial Philosophy

My community work includes improving access to justice for everyday litigants—especially those facing language barriers—through court-access and accessibility initiatives. As a recent appointee to the Board of Trustees of the New York Supreme Court Law Library, my focus will be on ensuring that the court system prioritizes creative ways to improve access to justice.

Vlad_Frants_Candidate_for_Countywide_Civil_Court_seat.pdf

Prioritizes creative approaches in the court system to improve access to justice, particularly for litigants facing language barriers.

- Prioritizes creative approaches in the court system to improve access to justice, particularly for litigants facing language barriers.

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

 Students, particularly from underprivileged communities: I created pathways for high school students—especially from historically marginalized communities—by organizing a “High School Law Day” and other panels, volunteering at school job fairs, and helping WBASNY bring nearly 1,000 students into 17 courtrooms statewide to learn about careers in the courts, contributing to WBASNY’s 2025 NCWBA Public Service Award.

 Immigrants: I’ve supported vulnerable populations by representing asylum seekers pro bono, advancing AI tools to help immigrants and non-English-speaking pro se litigants navigate the courts, and volunteering with NYC’s HOPE count to assist unsheltered New Yorkers.

 LGBTQ+, with a focus on LGBTQ+ elders: I support LGBTQ+ elders through SAGE and Gay For Good NYC, volunteering at community events and service programs providing meals, clothing, and personal care items.

 Domestic violence victims: I have long supported domestic violence victims—winning Orders of Protection through pro bono trial work and connecting survivors with critical resources.

Community Involvement

Emily Morales-Minerva

Josh E. Hanshaft

- 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