New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has appointed two Indian-origin women attorneys as judges to the criminal and civil courts in the city.
Judge Archana Rao has been appointed to the Criminal Court while Judge Deepa Ambekar has been reappointed to the Civil Court in New York. The Mayor made 28 judicial appointments and reappointments to Family Court, Criminal Court and Civil Court.
"These appointees will represent New Yorkers proudly and work tirelessly to provide oversight of our courts," de Blasio said. "Their work is essential in ensuring that we are creating a fairer city for all."
Judge Rao was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in the Criminal Court. Prior to her appointment, she served with the New York County District Attorney's Office for 17 years, most recently as the Bureau Chief of the Financial Frauds Bureau.
She is a graduate of Vassar College and received her Juris Doctor degree from Fordham University School of Law.
Judge Ambekar was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in May 2018 and has been serving in the Criminal Court as well.
Prior to her appointment, she served with the New York City Council as a Senior Legislative Attorney and Counsel to the Committee on Public Safety.
The city's Criminal Court handles misdemeanour cases and lesser offenses, and conducts arraignments.