Originally Featured on BrooklynBuzz.com
For over two decades Janice Purvis has been in the trenches of the Brooklyn legal system, making sure everyday Brooklynites get a fair shot. Now, she’s taking the next step, running for Kings County Civil Court Judge to continue fighting for the borough she’s called home for 25 years. For Janice, this isn’t just a job—it’s personal.
Janice is not new to Brooklyn by any means. She has lived in 5 different Brooklyn neighborhoods, including Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, Bed-Stuy, Bushwick and she currently resides in Crown Heights. She has also frequented most Brooklyn neighborhoods from Coney Island to Greenpoint, making her a real Brooklynite.
When asked what she loves about Brooklyn, Purvis expressed, “there are so many reasons I love living in Brooklyn and raising my five year-old daughter here. I love Brooklyn for its vibrant cultural diversity, rich history and thriving arts scene. I also love Brooklyn because of all the amazing public libraries and parks that offer free or low-cost opportunities for entertainment. But what I value and cherish the most about living in Brooklyn is the strong sense of community; where local businesses thrive and there are so many neighborhood events to enjoy, such as block parties, street fairs, and local farmers’ markets.”
Journey To Brooklyn Many Years Ago
Janice’s journey to Brooklyn began with values instilled by her parents—her father, a World War II veteran and public servant, and her mother, a second-generation Croatian immigrant and registered nurse. Raised in a hardworking family in Bel Air, Maryland, she learned the importance of service, perseverance, and education from an early age. These principles guided her through her studies, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota before earning her Juris Doctorate from New York Law School.
A Legal Career Rooted in Service
For nearly twenty years, Janice has been a cornerstone of Brooklyn’s legal landscape. As a Court Attorney Referee in Kings County Supreme Court, she has been the go-to expert in civil litigation, resolving disputes, drafting decisions, reviewing proposed orders, and training junior attorneys. Her expertise spans personal injury, medical malpractice, family law, labor law, and contract disputes, making her well-equipped to take on the role of a Civil Court Judge.
Beyond the courtroom, Janice has spent over a decade in the Kings Supreme Court Help Center at 360 Adams Street, providing vital legal assistance to underserved Brooklynites. Whether guiding self-represented litigants through the complexities of legal forms or connecting individuals with pro bono legal resources, she has been a lifeline for those who might otherwise struggle to navigate the system.
Brooklyn is Home
For Janice, Brooklyn isn’t just where she works—it’s home. She lives in Crown Heights with her five-year-old daughter and their beloved rescue cats. Deeply invested in her neighborhood, she has served on the Board of Friends of Brower Park, Inc., working to enhance one of Brooklyn’s cherished green spaces. She’s also been an active leader in local block associations, fostering community engagement and neighborhood improvement efforts.
Her passion extends beyond the legal sphere into animal welfare, where she serves on the Board of Bushwick Street Cats, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and adopting cats and kittens, as well as managing Brooklyn’s outdoor cat population through humane trap-neuter-release programs.
A Vision for Brooklyn’s Civil Court
Janice Purvis’s legal career has been defined by fairness, accessibility, and service—principles she vows to uphold if elected as Kings County Civil Court Judge. She understands that the Civil Court is where everyday Brooklynites seek justice—for housing disputes, small claims, family matters, and beyond. She believes the courts must be a place where all people, regardless of their background, are treated with respect and dignity.
When asked why she was seeking to become a Kings County Civil Court Judge, Purvis stated, “becoming a judge is the next logical step of my extensive legal career and reflects a journey shaped by personal experiences and a strong desire to make a meaningful impact on the broader community, specifically in Brooklyn. It is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and justice. I am excited at the opportunity to take on a new challenge and serve the residents of Brooklyn in a different capacity.”
With her extensive legal expertise, unwavering dedication to the community, and deep personal connection to Brooklyn, Janice Purvis is ready to bring her passion, experience, and integrity to the bench.
The Primary Elections are June 24, 2025. It’s more important now than ever, for Brooklynites to exercise their right to vote. Make your voices heard. Click here for early voting dates and to find your poll site.
