On October 25th, Judge Karen Gopee visited Ms. Diana Rayappa’s ’04 Criminal Justice Class as a guest speaker. Judge Gopee, a Stanner parent, shared that she pursued a career in law to help her community, including victims of domestic violence. While discussing her extensive law school experience, including the “toughest” first year, she encouraged students to put in the hard work now so that it pays off later in life.
Judge Gopee, who has been practicing law for 23 years, began her career working in the Brooklyn DA’s office. She recently appeared on the ballot for Supreme Court Justice in New York State and was among six judges elected. She was appointed by Mayor DeBlasio as a judge in the Criminal Court for the 11th Judicial District of New York in 2015. Judge Gopee is a graduate of St. John’s University School of Law. She is the first judge of Indo-Caribbean decent in NY State.
Thank you to Judge Gopee and Ms. Rayappa for offering this unique opportunity for our students.