Dear Residents of Brownsville, East New York, Bushwick and Cypress Hills,

My name is Duane Frankson, and I am honored to introduce myself as a candidate for Civil Court Judge in the 7th Municipal District, which includes the vibrant and resilient communities of Brownsville, East New York, Bushwick and Cypress Hills. I am running because I believe that integrity, fairness, and equity must be at the heart of our judicial system. My lifelong commitment to justice, my professional experience, and my deep-rooted dedication to community service have prepared me to serve you with honor and distinction.

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, the proud son of Caribbean immigrants who instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and service. My father, who migrated from Jamaica, and my mother, who came from Barbados, worked tirelessly to create a better life for their family. These values shaped my path, leading me to pursue a career in law dedicated to upholding justice and ensuring equal access to the legal system for all.

As an attorney for nearly two decades, I have litigated for both plaintiffs and defendants in court rooms throughout New York City, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties. My experience includes litigating civil, criminal, family, mental health matters as well as appeals to the Appellate Term and Appellate Division. I litigated hundreds of cases and led attorney litigation teams as a manager at two major companies for more than 12 years.

Beyond my professional career, I have been a dedicated community leader and advocate. As a former PTA President and Vice President of Community School District 17’s President’s Council, I have worked to ensure that our children receive the education and resources they deserve. My role as a trustee at Berean Baptist Church and past board memberships at The Sarah Woode Foundation, Nazareth Regional High School Board of Trustees, and The Berean Community and Family Life Center reflect my unwavering commitment to strengthening our communities.

I also serve as co-chair of the Communication and Outreach Subcommittee of the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, where I work to promote fairness and accessibility in the legal profession. As a certified Trained Facilitator and Coach, I have led leadership development programs locally, nationally, and internationally, fostering resilience, collaboration, and growth within organizations and communities.

For me, judges should be more than arbiters of the law; they should be advocates for fairness and guardians of justice. In East New York, Bushwick, Cypress Hills and Brownsville where our communities face unique challenges, it is essential that we have judges who understand the people, the struggles, and the aspirations of those they serve. I am committed to ensuring that every person who enters my courtroom is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness—regardless of their background, financial status, or circumstances.

If elected as your Civil Court Judge, I will uphold the values of integrity, fairness, and equity, ensuring that the 7th Municipal District has a judiciary that reflects its people, understands its challenges, and is dedicated to delivering justice for all.

I look forward to meeting more of you, listening to your concerns, and working together to build a more just and equitable Brooklyn. Thank you for your time, your trust, and your belief in a brighter future for our district.

With deep respect and commitment,

Duane Frankson, Esq.
Candidate for Civil Court Judge, 7th Municipal District