Contact: David Galin
ALBANY, NY – Mayor Kathy Sheehan was joined by local elected officials, members of the bar, and community members at Albany City Hall to swear-in Albany’s newest City Court Judge, Ricja Rice, Esq. Rice was sworn in to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former Albany City Court Judge Helena Heath. Rice is running for a full 10-year term in November’s General Election.
Video: https://fb.watch/7eDTDw-W9E/
Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmWnTqYE
About Ricja Rice, Esq.:
Ricja is a Union College and Albany Law School alum. She has lived in the Capital Region for over two decades, and began her career over 15 years ago serving Albany, Schenectady, and Troy’s most vulnerable populations as a Legal Aid Attorney. Rice helped hundreds of poor and otherwise disadvantaged residents maintain affordable housing and obtain essential benefits to meet their day-to-day needs. She also drafted wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies for Albany County seniors. Rice represented victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, and fraud. Her professional background reflects a wide range of public service and an unwavering commitment to better her community. Ricja is now the Associate Court Attorney at Albany City Court where she drafts decisions and advises the Court on civil and criminal matters.
Ricja is 1st Vice President of the Black and Hispanic Bar Association and past president and current board member of the Women’s Bar Association. She works tirelessly to address pipeline issues that plague our society, especially the legal profession. Her goal is ensuring that historically marginalized groups have a fair and equitable path to success. She is known for speaking at area high schools, colleges, law school classes and on panel discussions. As the first in her family to graduate from college and attend law school, she believes it is her duty to help crush barriers to obtaining a higher education. Ricja is a mentor to many recent law school graduates. She is also an active member of the Greater Albany Chapter of Jack and Jill whose mission is to provide social, cultural, and educational opportunities for area youth.
Ricja is a loving wife and devoted mom and step-mom to four beautiful children - ages 23, 12 (twins), and 5. She is the proud dog mom of a 7-year old miniature pinscher. As a cheer, gymnastics, tennis, football and basketball parent, she stays pretty busy. She is active in the Albany downtown community and an avid community gardener.
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