Greetings Committee Members, 

My name is Darius Lind and I am seeking the Democratic nomination to become your judicial candidate for Monroe County Family Court, where I currently serve as a Court Attorney Referee. In this position, I preside over hundreds of child custody and domestic violence cases in Monroe County. As a career family law attorney and recent Monroe County Assistant Public Defender, I am uniquely qualified for the role of Family Court Judge. 

Helping families in need has always been the focus of my work. In 2007, I began my career as a public interest attorney and represented families in crisis at every level court in our jurisdiction. This experience is what motivates and informs my pursuit to become a Family Court Judge. 

I worked with domestic violence survivors, supporting them through the oftentimes difficult journey of escaping abuse. I advocated for them in divorces, custody, and child support proceedings. I coordinated directly with District Attorney offices when criminal charges were brought against my clients’ abusers. I observed the cycle of violence that families fall into. I learned about coercive power and control and the devastating effects of both. I pushed to ensure the court system remained compassionate. 

I had the responsibility of representing children in Family Court and advocating for them in their schools. I saw first-hand the impact family structures, mental health, poverty, and access to education have on children. I understood the importance of giving each of these young people the safety and opportunity they need and deserve. 

During the foreclosure crisis of the late 2000s, I represented families in proceedings to protect their housing. I went with clients to New York State Supreme Court, where I battled with financial institutions to keep families in their homes. I traveled to city, town, and village courts to fight evictions and the inevitable homelessness that follows. I know the cascading impact losing housing has on families and how vital housing stability is for our community.

As an Assistant Monroe County Public Defender I specialized in representing parents in abuse and neglect proceedings in Family Court. These highly technical proceedings are some of the most important matters our Courts adjudicate. Parents face the loss of their children to foster care and adoption. Children can be moved from home to home searching for safety. No families are in greater crisis. In this work I shared in the joy of families successfully reunited and have borne witness to the aching sadness of a parent surrendering their parental rights. I see the delicate balance that courts must nd between the right of a parent to their child and the right of a child to stability. 

In my current role as a Family Court Attorney Referee I use my knowledge and experience to assist the families I see everyday. I have a deep appreciation and compassion for the individuals that come through our courts. I prioritize each person’s opportunity to be heard and acknowledged. I run my courtroom with kindness, respect and, where possible, humor. 

I would be honored to expand my work in the role of Family Court Judge. My career journey helped me develop a vision for how families and their cases should be treated. I have a complex understanding of not just the workings of family court, but the other frequent legal issues families face. I seek this nomination because I genuinely believe I will make a positive impact and difference for the lives of our county residents. 

The responsibility of selecting a judicial candidate is challenging. If you have any questions or want to know more, please feel free to reach out to me directly. Additionally, we have a deeply committed community of Family Law attorneys that work in our courts every day and have a good idea of what is required to be an effective Family Court Judge. I encourage you to speak to these advocates to learn more about my work and that of the other candidates. 

Sincerely,