Acting Albany County Supreme Court Justice Richard Rivera has been named the first supervising judge for domestic violence courts and mentor courts for the Third Judicial District, Administrative Judge Thomas Breslin said.

In his new role, Rivera will oversee the operation and expansion of the district's specialized domestic violence courts, which work to expedite cases involving domestic violence and promote better outcomes for victims and their families.

Rivera will also work to replicate a mentorship program for certain young offenders designed to reduce recidivism. The program, called the United Against Crime-Community Action Network, was first launched in Cohoes City Court, which is within the district, by Judge Andra Ackerman.

Rivera was first elected to Albany County Family Court in 2014 and was designated as an acting state Supreme Court justice at the start of this year. He is also the presiding judge of both the Family Court's domestic violence part and youth part. Breslin said his experience working in that area of law has prepared him for the new role.

“Judge Rivera is a skilled, dedicated judge, well-versed in the intricacies of family law, domestic violence, juvenile justice and other issues related to children and families within the court system,” Breslin said. “I have every confidence that his expertise, combined with his leadership and other fine qualities, will prove invaluable in moving the Third Judicial District forward as we institute best practices to more effectively address the scourge of domestic violence, and seek new ways to better respond to the needs of children and families served by the District.”

Before his election in 2014, Rivera was a support magistrate in Albany county Family Court. He's worked in several different roles throughout his career, including as an attorney for children in both Albany and Rensselaer counties. He is a graduate of Albany Law School.

READ MORE: