The Legal Aid Society is lauding the appointment of Justine Olderman to the post of Criminal Justice Coordinator. Olderman spent 23 years at The Bronx Defenders, including six years as Executive Director.

Olderman will help advance the Mamdani administration’s criminal justice agenda and oversee day-to-day operations of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. She will work closely with district attorneys, public defenders, courts, public safety agencies and the Department of Correction to reduce incarceration, strengthen community safety and improve fairness.

“Justine Olderman brings to this role something that cannot be taught — a career defined by a deep commitment to the people most impacted by the criminal legal system and an unwavering belief that public safety is built from the ground up through community, trust, and human dignity,” said Tina Luongo, Chief Attorney of the Criminal Defense Practice at Legal Aid.

“Throughout Justine’s career as a dedicated public defender, she has been a thoughtful and effective leader, advancing bold ideas while bringing people from differing viewpoints together to tackle some of the most difficult challenges facing our criminal legal system,” they continued. “Her values, vision, and creativity make her exceptionally well-suited for this role and for the work ahead. New Yorkers will be well served by her leadership, and I look forward to working with her in this critical role.”