Brenda M. Freedman at a glance
- Current role
- Family Court Judge
- Jurisdiction
- New York · State
- Judicial service
- Active
- Term and retention
- Current term ends 2033
Brenda M. Freedman
Family Court Judge · Erie County Family Court
Biography
Professional career
- Judge, Family Court, Erie County (Youth Part), 2022 to Present
- Judge, Family Court, Erie County, Elected, 2016 to 2025
- Family Court Judge (Erie County) — Elected in 2015; re‐elected in 2025
- NYS Unified Court System, Court Attorney-Referee, 2006 to 2014
- NYS Unified Court System, Principal Law Clerk to Justice Vincent Doyle, 2004 to 2006
- Buffalo & Amhurst School District, Teacher, 1995 to 1997
- Freedman & Freedman, Partner, 1993 to 1995
- Spadafora & Verrastro LLP., Associate, 1991 to 1993
- Hodgson Russ LLP., Associate, 1989 to 1991
- Former law clerk to NY Supreme Court Justice Vincent E. Doyle Jr
- Creator of Youth Programs — Developed Restorative Justice and Youth Empowerment initiatives in WNY
Education
Additional information
- Buffalo Council on World Affairs, Executive Director, 1997 to 2000
- Judge Brenda M. Freedman serves in the Erie County Family Court within New York’s 8th Judicial District.
- Youth Part Judge — Handles juvenile delinquency, PINS matters, and serious youth felony cases
- The record notes that nYS Juvenile Justice Advisory Group Member — One of only two judges statewide appointed by the Governor
- She has become a central figure in juvenile justice reform, particularly through her leadership in the Youth Part, which handles serious cases involving 16‐ and 17‐year‐olds
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Recording and broadcasting
Statewide
New York statewide rules require permission before photographing, filming, videotaping, audiotaping, broadcasting, or telecasting in court facilities, including courtrooms.
Taking photographs, films or videotapes, or audiotaping, broadcasting or telecasting, in a courthouse including any courtroom, office or hallway thereof, at any time or on any occasion, whether or not the court is in session, is forbidden, unless permission of the Chief Administrator of the Courts or a designee of the Chief Administrator is first obtainedPart 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings ↗
Exhibits
Statewide
The official Guide to New York Evidence identifies court control over presentation of evidence as a statewide evidence topic; counsel should expect the assigned judge to control the mode and order of proof.
1.07. COURT CONTROL OVER PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCEGuide to New York Evidence: Article 1, General Provisions and Court's Role ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
22 NYCRR Part 205 — Uniform Rules Family Court
Erie County Family Court
Family Court proceedings
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-10-27Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings
Erie County Family Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings
Erie County Family Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked August 2, 2026.
New York State Unified Court System Judicial Directory official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View New York State Unified Court System Judicial Directory official judicial roster ↗Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings ↗Guide to New York Evidence: Article 1, General Provisions and Court's Role
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Guide to New York Evidence: Article 1, General Provisions and Court's Role ↗