“People of NYC” Feature Amplified by NYC Newswire
Brooklyn’s legal community is buzzing with anticipation as Abayomi Ajaiyeoba Whint, a highly respected legal professional, prepares to appear on the ballot for Civil Court Judge in Kings County this November. In July 2024, she was nominated by Brooklyn District Leaders as one of three candidates selected to fill vacant Civil Court seats. Now, her name will appear on the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot.
Born in Nigeria and arriving in the United States at the age of six, Abayomi’s path to becoming a judicial candidate was marked by early academic and leadership excellence. Her journey was deeply influenced by her grandfather, a Magistrate Judge and Chief in Nigeria, whose sense of fairness and justice left a profound impact on her. Watching her grandfather earn the respect of those around him inspired Abayomi to follow in his footsteps, a decision that would lead to a distinguished legal career in New York City.
When we asked Abayomi Ajaiyeoba Whint what should Brooklynites expect from her as a Civil Court Judge, she stated, “Justice is not just a concept but an active commitment to fairness, equity, and truth in every decision. I envision a courtroom where every voice is heard, every individual is respected, and each ruling is made with integrity. I believe in an ecosystem of justice that is holistic, efficient, accessible, equitable, and transparent. I am running for judge because I am committed to fostering a system where justice is fair, transparent, and accessible to everyone.”
Her parents played a crucial role in shaping her character and values. With her father working as a nurse and her mother as an educator, they instilled in her a strong commitment to advocacy and community service. Abayomi was profoundly influenced by her mother’s activism in fighting discrimination and advocating for children’s rights, which inspired her strong commitment to fairness and justice in her own career.
Abayomi’s high school years in Minnesota were formative, as she confronted discrimination and stereotypes head-on, standing up not just for herself but for others facing similar challenges. She was part of the A Better Chance (ABC) Program, which places high-performing students of color into the nation’s leadership pipeline. This experience further fueled her desire to make a difference through law.
Abayomi graduated from Connecticut College with a B.A. in Psychology and a Cum Laude Distinction. Her academic achievements were numerous, and she went on to earn her law degree from Rutgers School of Law-Newark, where she gained practical experience as an associate editor of the Race and the Law Review and a clinician with the Community Development Clinic. During this time, she also provided pro bono services to victims of domestic violence.
As a dedicated champion of social justice, Abayomi worked as a paralegal at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, where she gave a voice to those who lacked the resources to advocate for themselves.
Her legal career spans a wide range of specialties and client types. From litigating for city agencies at the NYC Law Department to handling commercial litigation at Cantor, Epstein & Mazzola, and eventually establishing her own practice in 2009, Abayomi has consistently fought for justice and fairness. Her experience includes extensive work in bankruptcy, real estate, family law, and civil rights. As a certified mediator, arbitrator, and Restorative Circle Keeper, she has helped countless parties resolve disputes.
Abayomi also has experience working in the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) as the Deputy Managing Attorney, Administrative Law Judge, and EEO Counselor in the Hearings Division. She also served on the Kings County Democratic Party’s judicial screening panels, and she currently co-chairs the Metropolitan Black Bar Association’s Judicial Training Academy.
Currently, Abayomi serves as a Legal Enforcement Attorney with the FDNY, where she has worked for seven years. Her role extends beyond legal matters, as she has contributed to the department’s Diversity & Inclusion office and served as the President of FDNY’s first affinity group, CONNECT, which advocates for civilians. Abayomi’s commitment to improving access to justice and promoting diversity in the workplace is a hallmark of her career.
As she campaigns for the Kings County Civil Court, Abayomi remains steadfast in her belief that the court should be a place where everyone feels they’ve been given a fair opportunity to be heard, regardless of the outcome. Her dedication to social justice and equity, honed through a lifetime of confronting injustices, positions her as a powerful advocate for the people of Brooklyn. Additionally, her decade of experience as a volunteer arbitrator in the Kings County Civil Court brings added value.
Abayomi Ajaiyeoba Whint’s candidacy for Civil Court Judge in Kings County is not just about earning a seat on the bench—it’s about ensuring that fairness, justice, and due process remain cornerstones of the legal system. On November 5, 2024, Brooklyn voters will have the opportunity to elect a judge committed to positive change and social justice for all.’
Election Day is Tuesday November 5, 2024 – Find Your Pool Site Here!
‘People of NYC’ Feature Amplified by NYC Newswire
