TESTIMONIALS FOR POLK
“Judge Jill Polk changed my life.
I know that sounds dramatic, but my ex and I started our custody dispute unable to communicate, discuss or agree on anything. I walked into her Courtroom afraid and intimidated by my ex. Judge Polk gave everyone the opportunity to speak. She listened, observed and heard us. She was kind, patient, even handed and firm. She saw the dynamics of our family and fashioned a very detailed Order designed to address our needs in a way that would have the best possible impact on our child.
Her decision empowered me and gave us a pathway to begin to work together in our child’s best interests. Today we sit together at events and are able to freely and openly engage in conversations regarding our lives and our child. Her careful, considered determination changed the course of our lives. Thanks to Judge Polk, our child enjoys spending time with both of us together - stress free. I will be voting to re-elect Family Court Judge Jill Polk.”
S.M.
“As a practicing attorney with 30 years of Family Court experience, I have appeared in dozens of Courtrooms throughout the Capital District including numerous cases assigned to Judge Jill S. Polk. Judge Polk is the kind of Family Court Judge that will bring attorneys into her Chambers to talk over issues and come up with potential resolutions that are beneficial to the child and acceptable to the child’s parents. I find this practice helpful in reaching resolutions.
Judge Polk is smart, patient, practical, respectful and pragmatic. Her evidentiary rulings are on point, and her decisions are fair to all parties.“
Appearing before Judge Polk is a pleasure and I strongly support her reelection.”
Maria Tebano, Esq.
“Jill Polk and I worked as lawyers for children in the 1990’s; that’s how I came to know her as a good attorney. Later, when we were both Family Court Judges, we worked on various committees whose goal was to improve the administration of justice. We still work together in one such group. I have found that she is smart and compassionate. She is thoroughly engaged with her work and evaluates issues fully and conscientiously. I support her re-election as Schenectady County Family Court Judge.”
Hon. Margaret T. Walsh
Family Court Judge (Retired)
Supreme Court Justice (Retired)
“Judge Polk cares deeply about each case assigned to her. She understands that Family Court is about people and the diverse issues they face in their individual lives. She is solution focused, knowledgeable in the law, compassionate and works tirelessly to find positive and constructive outcomes for the challenges facing families in her court. Schenectady County is fortunate to have her as a Family Court Judge.
I strongly support her re-election.”
Hon. Nettie Jean Scarzafara
Family Court Judge (Retired)
Judge Scarzafara
Karen A. Nichols, ** Otsego County Family Court Chief Clerk
Judge Jill Polk
“I have known Judge Jill Polk for over 18 years. She is knowledgeable, compassionate and makes well-reasoned thoughtful decisions. Her respect for people and her dedication to access to justice for the citizens in Schenectady County are exemplary. She is engaged in and cares about our community. I will be voting for Judge Polk.”
Rabbi Matt Cutler
Congregation Gates of Heaven
“I have known Judge Jill Polk for over 30 years. From our early days when she was a young attorney and I was a Court Officer, to her becoming a judge, I witnessed Judge Polk’s dedication to the law and protection of litigant’s legal rights. Judge Polk is smart, kind, compassionate and patient. She is everything you want in a Judge and I strongly support her re-election as Schenectady County Family Court Judge.”
Jackie Paniccia Bernard
“As a retired Judge who has returned to private practice and appeared before Judge Polk, I strongly support her re-election.
Judge Jill Polk has the unique blend of the character traits best suited to serve as Schenectady County Family Court Judge. In a Court that often deals with emotionally charged and traumatic situations, she possesses and exemplifies an intellect, judicial temperament, and a genuine caring for every litigant. She is respectful to all litigants, adheres to the grounded precedents in the law and issues thoughtful, well-reasoned resolutions and determinations.”
Hon. Joseph M. Sise
Abdella & Sise
County Court Judge (Retired)
Supreme Court Justice (Retired)
“I was a Schenectady County foster parent for 33 years. In that time, I fostered 589 children and adopted 8 children from Schenectady County Foster Care. I have appeared in front of eight (8) different Schenectady County Family Court Judges including multiple appearances before Judge Jill Polk.
Judge Polk was always respectful, kind and concerned with making sure the children and the foster parents had the resources they needed. I could talk to Judge Polk as I would talk to my own sister. Judge Polk was also great with the children, met them at their level, sought to make them comfortable and encouraged them to be their very best.
I strongly support Judge Polk’s re-election as she is a great Judge!”
Sheri Pilczuk
“I worked closely with and in Judge Jill Polk’s Courtroom for many years. Judge Polk routinely, diligently and tenaciously protects and preserves individual’s rights. She ensures that people in her courtroom receive competent legal representation. She is kind, compassionate, and patient on the bench and is willing to take the extra time needed to explain the court proceeding. I strongly support Judge Jill Polk’s re-election.”
Patricia Webster
“As a forensic psychologist, for more than 40 years, I have testified in Family Courts throughout New York State. Judge Polk is truly unique. She has all the qualities and the knowledge a family court judge needs. My experience with Judge Polk is that she is always engaged, compassionate and respectful to all the families she serves in Schenectady County. She listens, understands the issues and works diligently to resolve conflicts in often highly charged and emotional matters . I strongly support her re-election as Schenectady County Family Court Judge.”
Dr. Jacqueline Bashkoff
“As a 19 year NYS licensed attorney and owner of a small law firm, I have appeared in numerous Courts throughout the state, including Judge Jill Polk’s Courtroom. Judge Polk has and exemplifies all the characteristics and judicial temperament desired in a Family Court Judge. Judge Polk is a smart, experienced and a highly qualified judge.
She not only hears litigants but keenly listens, observes, and considers the unique aspects of every family and situation which comes before her. It is a pleasure to appear before her and I strongly support Judge Jill Polk’s re-election as Schenectady County Family Court Judge.”
Barrett D. Mack, Esq.
“My name is Dr. Phillip Pan and I am the Chief and Medical Director of Neonatology at Bellevue Women’s Center of Ellis Hospital. In my position I frequently encounter and treat newborns born to patients using opiates or other drugs during pregnancy. These are some of the parents and families with personal trauma that need compassion and understanding from our court system.
I have known Judge Jill Polk for 19 years, both personally and professionally. Judge Polk has always shown an incredible interest and knowledge in assisting children and families who are experiencing trauma. Throughout her years on the bench, she has frequently inquired, requested and sought to learn the effects and impacts of drug use on children during pregnancy. During our many conversations I have found Judge Polk incredibly caring and an intelligent woman with a thirst for learning and a desire to understand the immediate, short-term and long-term impacts of neonatal drug use on children. She is clearly dedicated to helping the families and children she serves.
That is why I fully support and urge you to support Judge Polk’s re-election as Schenectady County Family Court Judge.”
Dr. Phillip Pan
“I have practiced Family Law for the past 15 years. During the last nine (9) years I have appeared before Judge Jill Polk countless times. Judge Polk has consistently demonstrated her intelligence, thoughtfulness, and unwavering commitment to ensuring the people that appear in her Court receive a fair determination on the merits.
When I walk into Judge Polk’s Courtroom, I know my client’s case will be fully heard and the outcome will be a thoughtful, balanced, fair and legally sound decision and order. As an attorney and community member I strongly support Judge Polk’s re-election.”
Bryan M. Racino, Esq.
*Opinions expressed are solely those of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of any organization.
**Posted with the consent of Ms. Nichols.