Meet Acting Village Justice Jack Alemany

Scarsdale's Jack Alemany was recently named Acting Village Justice in Scarsdale, replacing Arlene Katz who was elected to Family Court. Alemany, his wife Ellen and their children have lived in town on and off for 25 years. Here's an interview with the new justice who you may meet in Village Court.

Tell us about your professional background

I started my career as an attorney in 1983 as a Prosecutor with the Bronx District Attorney's Office. I then went to the Securities and Exchange Commission (NY Regional Office), where I worked in the Division of Enforcement (1987-1989). In 1989 left the SEC and started a firm with a couple of former colleagues from the Bronx District Attorney's office. We had an office on Brook Street, Scarsdale. During that time I was appointed to be the Acting Village Justice of Sleepy Hollow (1997-1999), and as an Administrative Law Judge with the Westchester County Taxi and Limousine Commission. In 1999, Ellen was transferred to London, and in 2000 the children and I joined her. We all returned to Scarsdale in 2001, and I rejoined one of my former partners. We moved our office to Bronx County, where we've been ever since. I also served as an Administrative Law Judge with the Westchester County Human Rights Commission (2006-2010).

Why did you decide to become a judge?

I have always wanted to be a judge. I have always had a sense and appreciation for justice, fairness and due process.

What's the process for applying to be a judge in Scarsdale?

I'm not really certain what the exact process is; I can only relate what I went through. The Mayor and/or the Village Attorney would know the exact process.

I read a notice posted in the newspaper. I sent my resume to the "Judicial Qualifications Advisory Committee, as per the notice. The Committee reviewed the resumes, interviewed and rated candidates and reported to the Mayor. The Mayor then interviewed candidates. I then interviewed with the Mayor and the Board. (I interviewed with the Committee, then the Mayor and a Trustee, then the Mayor and the Board).

How long is your term?

The term for Acting Village Justice in Scarsdale is 1 year. I was appointed to complete Judge Arlene Katz's term. Judge Katz was elected (in November 2014) to Family Court, commencing January 1, 2015. The Village Board of Trustees has re-appointed me as Acting Village Justice until April 4, 2016.

How many justices are there?

There are 2, the Village Justice and the Acting Village Justice.

What did you have to do to prepare for the position?

Courtroom and trial experience are extremely important along with a knowledge of the law and the rules of evidence. I have spent almost all of my career in a court room, before many different judges, dealing with many different types of criminal and civil matters, in trials, hearings and motion practice. Valuable knowledge, perspective and comfort comes from this experience. Also, having prosecuted cases, defended cases and adjudicated cases gives me insight on how all parties in an action may approach a case.

What are the hours? How many times a week on average do you expect to be called in at night?

Court is in session every Wednesday. Traffic and parking summonses are answerable at 9:00 A.M., the Criminal Calendar is called beginning at 9:30 A.M. and traffic trials are held from 1:00 until 5:00 P.M.

Small Claims trials are generally scheduled for the second Thursday of each month. Extra criminal, civil and traffic trial days are scheduled as needed.

Why do justices have to go in at night? Why can't the cases be dealt with during usual business hours?

When someone is arrested there is a legal requirement to have the individual arraigned as soon as possible. At the arraignment, among other things, the person is formally charged, given legal notices, informed of their rights, and they are either released on their own recognizance, remanded without bail, or bail is set.

Do you have any suggestions for residents to help them avoid a court appearance? i.e. Common mistakes/misunderstandings that lead to trouble?

Generally, Scarsdalians are a law abiding people. So far, most of the serious cases I see in court concern non-residents.

How long have you lived in Scarsdale?

Ellen and I have lived in Scarsdale approximately 25 years.

What do you like about living here?

I love living in Scarsdale. It is a great community where people are concerned with family, education, public service and being good citizens. We are all very fortunate to live in Scarsdale.