2026 New York General Election

Janice Purvis is from Bel Air, Maryland. She has a bachelor 27s degree in philosophy from the University of Minnesota and a law degree from New York Law School. She lives in Crown Heights with her daughter and rescue cats.

Who are the judges on your ballot? A guide to Brooklyn's judicial ...

Janice Purvis has a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of Minnesota and a law degree from New York Law School. She is a mother.

Janice is a court attorney referee at Kings County Supreme Court. She also serves as a special referee on uncontested matrimonial matters. She previously worked in the Law Department of Kings County Supreme Court for 19 years. 

Janice Purvis for Civil Court Judge- Kings County

Janice is a court attorney referee at the Kings County Supreme Court. She previously worked as a litigation associate for a private law firm.

Janice is currently a court attorney in Brooklyn Civil Court. She has spent over 20 years working in the New York City Law Department and as a court attorney.

Judicial Candidate Resource Guide

As a Court Attorney Referee, she hears and decides cases related to custody and orders of protection, serves as a legal expert in early civil litigation, and assists individuals in navigating court procedures at the Kings County Help Center.

As a member of various legal associations, including the Court Attorneys Association of New York City and the Brooklyn Bar Association, Purvis is actively engaged in the legal community.

Member of various legal associations, including the Court Attorneys Association of New York City and the Brooklyn Bar Association.

As a litigation associate at a private law firm, she researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in state and federal corporate securities actions and commercial litigation.

- As a Court Attorney Referee, she hears and decides cases related to custody and orders of protection, serves as a legal expert in early civil litigation, and assists individuals in navigating court procedures at the Kings County Help Center.
- Member of various legal associations, including the Court Attorneys Association of New York City and the Brooklyn Bar Association.
- As a litigation associate at a private law firm, she researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in state and federal corporate securities actions and commercial litigation.

Legal Experience

For Candidate Janice P. Purvis on Issue judicial-philosophy:  
Commits to maintaining fairness and impartiality while treating all individuals with respect, dignity, and professionalism.

Commits to maintaining fairness and impartiality while treating all individuals with respect, dignity, and professionalism.

- Commits to maintaining fairness and impartiality while treating all individuals with respect, dignity, and professionalism.

Judicial Philosophy

For Candidate Janice P. Purvis on Issue judicial-administration: Advocates for mandatory training for judges and court staff on LGBTQ issues and resources, emphasizing the importance of addressing the specific needs of the LGBTQ community.

Advocates for mandatory training for judges and court staff on LGBTQ issues and resources, emphasizing the importance of addressing the specific needs of the LGBTQ community.

Aims to collaborate with court staff to improve access to justice.

- Advocates for mandatory training for judges and court staff on LGBTQ issues and resources, emphasizing the importance of addressing the specific needs of the LGBTQ community.
- Aims to collaborate with court staff to improve access to justice.

Judicial Administration

As of July 28, 2026, Janice P. Purvis’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Lives in Crown Heights, serves as vice president of her block association.

Serves as vice president of her block association in Crown Heights, New York.

- Serves as vice president of her block association in Crown Heights, New York.

Community Involvement

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Janice P. Purvis

Buket Urgen

Born in Guyana and immigrating to the United States at the age of 15, Michelle was raised in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, where her early experiences shaped her understanding of the challenges many families face navigating complex systems.

Meet Michelle

Michelle’s academic journey reflects both discipline and excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Japanese Studies, from the University at Albany, SUNY.

She later obtained her Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where she distinguished herself academically by earning Certificates of Merit in Business Organizations/Corporations and International Law.

She has also been actively involved with God’s Battalion of Prayer Church, supporting its shelter ministry and soup kitchen efforts to assist vulnerable populations.

As Board President of Battalion Christian Academy and a continuing board member, she has played a key role in supporting educational opportunities for young people.

Michelle Desouza-Forte earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Albany at SUNY, and a law degree from Western Michigan University.

She previously operated her own law practice, providing guidance to individuals and families on matters such as wills, trusts and estates, real estate, immigration, contracts, and civil disputes.

She later worked as an Associate Attorney at Grimaldi & Yeung Law Group, where she handled estate planning and administration in a fast-paced legal environment.

Most recently, as an Assistant Corporation Counsel with the New York City Law Department, she represented the City in litigation, managing trials, motion practice, discovery, and settlement negotiations, while also mentoring junior attorneys and supervising interns.

Michelle previously worked as an attorney. 

As an Assistant Corporation Counsel with the New York City Law Department, represented the City in lawsuits, including trials, court motions, evidence exchange, and settlement negotiations.

- She previously operated her own law practice, providing guidance to individuals and families on matters such as wills, trusts and estates, real estate, immigration, contracts, and civil disputes.
- She later worked as an Associate Attorney at Grimaldi & Yeung Law Group, where she handled estate planning and administration in a fast-paced legal environment.
- As an Assistant Corporation Counsel with the New York City Law Department, represented the City in lawsuits, including trials, court motions, evidence exchange, and settlement negotiations.

As of October 12, 2026, Michelle Desouza-Forte’s website did not contain information on this issue.

“I believe people deserve fairness, professionalism, and dignity when they enter a courtroom,” DeSouza said. “The justice system affects people in very real ways, and it is important that individuals feel heard and respected throughout the process.”

Judicial Candidate Michelle DeSouza Engages Brooklyn Communities Ahead of Primary

Believes people deserve fairness, professionalism, and dignity when they enter a courtroom.

- Believes people deserve fairness, professionalism, and dignity when they enter a courtroom.

“They did not know what it was, when it was required, or the duration of its power until it was too late,” she added. “After assisting a close family friend, whose family lacked access to her accounts while she was hospitalized, I began conducting estate planning seminars in churches, libraries, and homes. I saw a need and aimed to fill it.”

Guyanese-born Attorney Michelle DeSouza-Forte seeks seat on Kings County Civil Court bench

Conducted estate-planning seminars in churches, libraries, and homes to provide community members with estate-planning information.

- Conducted estate-planning seminars in churches, libraries, and homes to provide community members with estate-planning information.

Michelle Desouza-Forte

- .
- .
- As an Assistant Corporation Counsel with the New York City Law Department, represented the City in lawsuits, including trials, court motions, evidence exchange, and settlement negotiations.

Michelle Desouza-Forte was born in Guyana, immigrated to the United States at age 15, and was raised in East Flatbush, Brooklyn.

Michelle Desouza-Forte most recently worked as an assistant corporation counsel with the New York City Law Department. She previously operated her own law practice and worked as an associate attorney at Grimaldi & Yeung Law Group.

- Operated a private law practice advising individuals and families on wills, estates, real estate, immigration, contracts, and civil disputes.
- Worked as an associate attorney at Grimaldi & Yeung Law Group, handling estate planning and estate administration.
- As an assistant corporation counsel with the New York City Law Department, represented the city in litigation, including trials, pretrial motions, evidence exchange, and settlement negotiations.

- Believes the legal system should be accessible and just and that all litigants should be treated fairly, impartially, and with dignity and respect.

Michelle Desouza-Forte was born in Guyana and immigrated to the United States at age 15, before being raised in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science, with a minor in Japanese studies, from the University at Albany, SUNY, and a law degree from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She has supported the shelter ministry and soup kitchen efforts at God’s Battalion of Prayer Church.

Michelle most recently worked as an Assistant Corporation Counsel with the New York City Law Department. She previously worked as an associate attorney at Grimaldi & Yeung Law Group and operated her own law practice.

- Operated a law practice advising individuals and families on estates, real estate, immigration, contracts, and civil disputes.
- Worked as an associate attorney at Grimaldi & Yeung Law Group, handling estate planning and estate administration.
- As an assistant corporation counsel with the New York City Law Department, represented the city in litigation, including trials, motions, evidence exchange, and settlement negotiations.

- Pledges to apply the law with “compassionate integrity” and treat all litigants fairly.
- Believes the legal system should be accessible, respectful, just, and impartial for everyone.

- Is committed to ensuring that the court system is fair and equitable for all.

- Supports God’s Battalion of Prayer Church’s shelter ministry and soup kitchen efforts for vulnerable populations.
- Serves on the board of Battalion Christian Academy, supporting educational opportunities for young people.

Isaac Brickman

- 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

Kings Civil Court Judge, District 6

Candidates (2)
Choose 2

Kings Civil Court Judge, District 6

Candidates (2).css-1e5j0e1{margin:0;font-size:16px;line-height:1.4;font-family:"HouschkaRoundedAlt";font-weight:400;color:#22034F;} Choose 2

Candidates (2)
Choose 2