The two lawyers vying for the Democratic nomination for Civil Court judge are going down to the wire in a heated battle fought over qualifications and baggage.
Roger Adler lays claim to be the best man for the job based on his “approval” rating from the city’s biggest attorney organization and his self-proclaimed independence from the Democratic machine.
Devin Cohen argues he should win because he comes from the reform wing of the local Democratic party, that his values — which he described as “progressive” — are in tune with his neighbors, and his community activism displays his dedication to improving Brooklyn.
But each candidate and his supporters has unleashed vicious attacks on the other as the race winds down to Tuesday’s primary vote, which is too close to call.
Civil Court District 1 covers Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Downtown, DUMBO. Fort Greene and a sliver of Park Slope.
Adler’s camp stepped up attacks on Cohen, pointing out that the New York City and Brooklyn bars “approved” Adler, but did not approve Cohen’s candidacy. Adler is past president of the Brooklyn Bar.
“This accentuates the gulf in differences between their experiences,” said Michael Tobman, Adler’s campaign spokesman, pointing out that the 62-year-old Adler has about 20 more years of work experience than the younger Cohen. “There’s a minimum threshold and he doesn’t meet that.”
The associations do not elaborate on their decision-making processes. Cohen declined to comment, citing a confidentiality agreement, but he did point out that several other lawyers’ groups support him.
One of those groups — LeGal, the lesbian and gay attorneys’ association — gave Cohen the stamp of approval, but not Adler.
“I’m very proud to have the approval by four different screening panels. That’s a reflection of my legal career which I believe has been built on integrity,” Cohen said. Cohen also noted his work on Community Board 6 as evidence of his commitment to Brooklyn.
Adler’s foes dismissed the LeGal endorsement, saying Adler wasn’t considered by the group because he worked pro bono for the Conservative Party on its legal brief against same sex marriage in New York. Adler also made financial contributions to the party.
“Roger Adler is a hired gun for homophobes and corrupt elected officials,” said Lambda Independent Democrats co-president Terrance Knox.
Adler represented jailed Democratic Party boss Clarence Norman during the disgraced former Assemblyman’s various corruption trials. Adler parries the accusations of guilt by association, saying, “I was his lawyer, not his political confidante.”
