Exciting News for the New Year

     As most of you know, I've been looking for a different position within the  Unified Court System for about two years.  Even though clerking for Judge P. was better than private practice, it left MUCH to be desired. In the midst of our move, three weeks ago my prayers were answered! I was offered a court attorney position in the 3rd Judicial District Office based in Albany.  Of course, I said yes!  I start on January 3rd  -- what a great way to ring in the New Year!

Goodbye Schenectady...I won't miss you!

     What makes this job so wonderful you ask? It is a PERMANENT line item in Albany handling overflow for Supreme Court Chambers throughout the 3rd JD (Albany, Rensselaer, Columbia, Greene,  Schoharie, Ulster and Sullivan). This means I can kiss Family Court and the instability of working for a Judge who is subject to re-election and  a mandatory retirement age goodbye! 

     My building in Albany is infinitely more safer and desirable than my current location in Schenectady where we can often overhear gunfire from the hill (a/k/a Hamilton Hill).  Jim and I will be a block apart from one another and can drive to and from work together most days. Plus, I will be close to all of my friends and former colleagues from law school and the Appellate Division for lunch and cocktails.

     This Wednesday, my new boss is introducing me to the other attorneys in the office and, on Friday, I'm heading to Albany for the District Office holiday party at Envy Lounge. I'm really fortunate that the timing worked out this way, so I can meet my new colleagues in a fun setting! Based on my interaction thus far, the 3rd JD seems so organized and seamless (reminiscent of the efficiency at the Appellate Division). Plus, my new boss told me "we do have fun here once in awhile." She seems really great! 

  

How I will look back on my years in Schenectady

     I keep telling myself that there must be something worthwhile I can take from my experience in Schenectady County and all I've come up with is learning to work with difficult people and creating and protecting a record for appellate purposes (i.e. the difference between writing a decision at the trial level vs. the appellate level). I have a feeling once I arrive back in Albany it will feel like the past three years never happened, as if I'd always been there...kind of like the Twilight Zone :)

     And, really that's ok with me because my career is still young and there will be many more opportunities for growth in the new position since I will be the baby of the group -- youngest by about 20 years!