Michele R. Titus

Michele R. Titus is an American jurist and former politician who has served as a Justice of the New York Supreme Court since 2016. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously represented southeastern Queens in the New York State Assembly and the New York City Council. Her career in public service has been marked by advocacy for education, housing, and criminal justice reform.

Early life and education

Michele R. Titus was born on October 8, 1966, in the borough of Queens in New York City. She attended local public schools before pursuing higher education at the State University of New York at Albany, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She subsequently enrolled at the Howard University School of Law, a historically black institution renowned for its civil rights legacy, and received her Juris Doctor degree. Her educational background laid a strong foundation for her future work in law and public policy.

Legal career

Following her graduation from Howard University School of Law, Titus began her legal career as a staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society in New York City, providing representation to indigent clients. She later served as a court attorney for the New York State Unified Court System in Queens County, gaining valuable insight into judicial administration. Her practice also included work as a principal law clerk to a Justice of the New York Supreme Court, where she honed her skills in legal research and writing on complex civil and criminal matters.

New York State Assembly

In a 2001 special election, Titus was elected as a Democrat to the New York State Assembly, representing the 31st district in southeastern Queens. She succeeded Pauline Rhodd-Cummings and served on several key committees, including the Standing Committee on Education and the Standing Committee on Judiciary. During her brief tenure, she focused on legislation concerning school funding and tenant protections. She resigned from the New York State Assembly in 2002 after winning a seat on the New York City Council.

New York City Council

Titus was elected to the New York City Council in 2002, representing the 31st Council District, which encompasses neighborhoods such as Arverne, Far Rockaway, and Laurelton. She succeeded Juanita Watkins and served for over a decade, becoming Chair of the Committee on Civil Service and Labor and a member of the Committee on Public Safety. Her legislative achievements included sponsoring the Safe Housing Act and advocating for economic development projects in the Rockaway Peninsula. She was a vocal proponent for recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy and did not seek re-election in 2013.

Judicial career

In 2015, Titus was elected as a Justice of the New York Supreme Court for the 11th Judicial District, which covers Queens County. She took office in January 2016 and was subsequently assigned to the Civil Term. In this role, she presides over a wide array of complex litigation, including commercial disputes, Article 78 proceedings, and tort cases. Her election was endorsed by the Queens County Democratic Organization and various bar associations. Justice Titus continues to serve on the bench, applying her extensive experience in both the legislative and executive branches of New York City government to her judicial decision-making.

Category:1966 births Category:Living people Category:New York Supreme Court justices Category:New York City Council members Category:Members of the New York State Assembly Category:Howard University School of Law alumni Category:State University of New York at Albany alumni Category:American women judges Category:People from Queens Category:Democratic Party members of the New York State Assembly Category:Democratic Party New York City Council members