This month, we are honored to sit down with Justice Susan Chorost, a dedicated Old Westbury resident and public servant deeply committed to the legal field and the well-being of our community. Married for 33 years to her husband Mitchell, she is the proud mother of two sons - both Wheatley High School graduates who earned engineering degrees and are now working in Manhattan. Alongside her role as Village Justice, Susan serves as Deputy Town Attorney for the Town of North Hempstead, offering legal guidance and support to the broader community. As she runs for re-election this June, we had the chance to hear about her experiences as Village Justice and what makes this role so meaningful to her.

Friends had recommended this quiet, spacious community to us. After an extensive search, we moved here in 2004 from Merrick. We chose Old Westbury because of the small, high-performing school district and its proximity to the city. We were pleasantly surprised to meet many other young professional families that welcomed us here.

I was born into a family with a legal background. My father, Robert Schmidt, was a Supreme Court Judge sitting in the Appellate Division. He informed me that Old Westbury had an open Judge position. At first, I was hesitant to apply, but he encouraged me to pursue it. In December 2016, I was appointed by former Mayor Fred Carillo to serve the remainder of the term. Six months later, I successfully won a contested election, and that victory solidified my path as Village Justice for the past nine years.

The Old Westbury Village Court is one of the larger village courts in Nassau County. In 2024 alone, we handled 2063 traffic infractions. This high volume stems from the fact that we have our own police department, consisting of 27 of the finest officers, as well as the Long Island Expressway running through the village, generating significant traffic. As a result, the Court operates almost every Wednesday evening, whereas many other village courts meet only once a month.

Our court hears vehicle and traffic matters, along with Village Ordinance violations - both of which are crucial for maintaining safety and order in the community. Recently, the Village instituted a safety stop for commercial traffic passing through Old Westbury. This initiative ensures that trucks comply with New York State - mandated standards. Any violations issued to commercial vehicles are heard in Village Court for remediation.

Several common misunderstandings arise regarding the Village Court. One is that some residents assume the Justice can provide them with legal advice or assist with their cases. However, I must emphasize that the court must remain neutral and that individuals should seek their own legal counsel.

Another common misconception is that personal relationships will influence case outcomes. In a small community, people may assume that knowing the judge will lead to favorable treatment. I make it clear that all cases are treated equally under the law, and if there is ever a conflict of interest, recusal is the appropriate course of action.

Additionally, many residents inquire about changing their school district within the Village. Unlike most villages, Old Westbury covers four school districts: East Williston, Jericho, Westbury, and now Roslyn. However, some residents are unaware that school district boundaries are set by New York State and cannot be altered by the Village.

Serving as Village Justice is incredibly rewarding, especially when I can make a positive impact on the community. Village courts often help neighbors resolve disputes, and finding fair resolutions brings a great sense of accomplishment. I also see many young, first-time offenders who need guidance rather than harsh penalties. Providing them with an opportunity to learn from their mistakes is gratifying.

The most challenging aspect of the role is handling cases that go to trial. By the time a case reaches trial, it means that resolution efforts have failed, and the verdict can have significant consequences for the losing party. Additionally, balancing my part-time judicial responsibilities with a full-time job and other commitments requires careful time management.

As part of my training, I am an active member of the Nassau County Magistrates Association and was recently appointed to serve on the Board of Directors. I prioritize attending our educational training sessions every spring and fall to stay updated on best practices in the field.

I am running for re-election on June 17, 2025, and I hope to continue serving Old Westbury for another four years. Since my election, the Court has worked diligently to eliminate its backlog of cases, and I am proud to say that we are now up to date on all trials, motions, and proceedings. My support staff is excellent, and works behind the scenes to ensure that things run smoothly.

Recently, we completed a courtroom renovation, which included installing a television system to facilitate virtual appearances for individuals who are traveling or unable to attend in person. I look forward to continuing to implement improvements that enhance efficiency and accessibility in the Village Court.

As Village Justice, I have gained a deeper understanding of the community’s legal concerns and the issues that matter most to its residents. Over the past nine years, I have had the pleasure of meeting many residents and working alongside them.

Old Westbury is a community that values privacy, security, and the preservation of its historic and residential character. Most residents who appear in court simply want to resolve their matters fairly. I always take the time to listen to their concerns and work toward a solution that promotes compliance rather than confrontation.