In May 2009, the New York State Courts Access to Justice Program (NYA2J), directed by then Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for NYC Courts Fern A. Fisher, launched statewide DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Form computer programs. DIY Form programs prepare court forms or information sheets to help unrepresented litigants in court. The DIY Form programs increase access to justice and improve courthouse efficiency.
In January 2010, Judge Fisher resolved that the NYA2J establish an award designated as the "DIY Star Award." This award is presented from time to time to UCS personnel and courts who have made exceptional contributions to the successful development and implementation of the DIY Form programs.
Nomination Criteria
The DIY Star Award seeks to applaud individuals or courts whose actions and activities further equal access to justice for those who cannot afford an attorney. DIY Star Awards go to individuals who are critical in creating lasting change in court culture and work environment. DIY Star Awards are predominantly based on quarterly performance statistics drawn from UCMS filings, DIY User Surveys and Program Usage, as well as submitted nominations. Final decision of the winners is made by Judge Richardson-Mendelson.
November
Special Term Name Change Staff
Queens County Civil Court
Assistant Deputy Chief Clerk
Queens County Civil Court
September
Laura Hankin
Law Librarian
Columbia County Supreme Court Library
June
Lynne Day
Chief Clerk
Cortland County Surrogate's Court
August
Dawn Maletta
Deputy Chief Clerk
Suffolk County Family Court
February
Lance B. Harris
Senior Court Clerk
Kings County Supreme Court
July
L&T Clerk's Office Staff
Kings County Civil Court
Melinda Alexander
Assistant Deputy Chief Clerk
Kings County Civil Court
Lydia Grima
Chief Clerk of the County (Ret.)
Kings County Civil Court
March
Clerk's Office Staff
Tompkins County Family Court
August
Help Center and Petition Room Staffs
New York County Family Court
Nicholas Rapallo
Assistant Deputy Chief Clerk
New York County Family Court
Juntel Sheard
Court Assistant
New York County Family Court
Edwina G. Richardson-Mendelson
Administrative Judge
New York City Family Court
April
Surrogate's Court Staff
Suffolk County Surrogate's Court
November
Maureen Ball
Chief Clerk
Oswego County Fulton City Court
March
Civil Court Clerk's Office Staff
Queens County Civil Court
October
Civil Court Clerk's Office Staff
New York County Civil Court
March
Family Court Help Center Staff
Queens County Family Court
Nicole Coleman
Court Assistant
Queens County Family Court
December
Court Information Center Staff and Library Staff
Nassau County Supreme Court
August
Petition Division Staff
Bronx County Family Court
Gilbert Rodriguez
Assistant Deputy Chief Clerk
Bronx County Family Court
Surrogate's Court Staff
Bronx County Surrogate's Court
Michael P. Hausler
Chief Clerk
Bronx County Surrogate's Court
Joan Reid
Data Entry Clerk
Bronx County Surrogate's Court
April
Surrogate's Court Staff
Onondaga County Surrogate's Court
Ava S. Raphael
Surrogate
Onondaga County Surrogate's Court
February
Petition Room Staff
Kings County Family Court
Mike Williams
Court Clerk Specialist
Kings County Family Court