Democrat mascot donkey behind a wheelchair icon - The First Democratic Club in the Country Focusing on Disability Rights
photo of Philip J. Smallman
2006 Judicial Screening Questionnaire

Candidate Name: Philip J. Smallman

Candidate for: Civil Court, Borough of Brooklyn (Kings County)

Campaign Manager: Jerry O'Brien

Phone: 718-499-0598

Fax: 718-499-8647

 

Campaign Name: Friends of Phil Smallman for Civil Court

Campaign Address: P.O. Box 24273, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11202-4273

Phone: 718-499-0598

Fax: 718-499-8647

Email: Smallman4civilcourt@yahoo.com

Previous appointed offices held: Assistant District Attorney, Special Assistant Attorney, General Law Secretary

Key endorsements to date:

Local community leaders: Former Assemblyman Joe Ferris

Labor:

 

  1. Please describe any experience with disability you have had in your life or career.

    My father is a disabled veteran from service in WWII. My father-in-law has end stage lung disease. Family members have suffered disabling injury.
     

  2. How will you incorporate people with disabilities into your campaign? Are you willing to hire and use flex-time and job-sharing if necessary?

    I would incorporate peoples with disabilities in all facets of campaign work. I will afford full opportunity to participate in campaign work. I am willing to so hire.
     

  3. If you are in private practice, is your office accessible to people with disabilities? If not, what have you done to ensure access?

    My office is accessible.
     

  4. Is the courthouse in which you work accessible to people with all kinds of disabilities? If not, what have you done to ensure access?

    It is accessible.
     

  5. Has a person with a disability appeared before your court as a juror or litigant? If so, please indicate what, if any, challenges arose? And how were they handled?

    I have interviewed prospective jurors. The Court made inquiry and the jurors stayed through Voir Dire. Witnesses and clients have been disabled people.
     

  6. Do you believe that a deaf or a blind person can serve as a juror? Why or why not?

    I believe it is possible and would require a balancing of the issues before the court and the rights of the litigants and prospective jurors.
     

  7. Are you willing to hire on a job share or full time basis, a qualified law clerk/secretary with a disability?

    Certainly.
     

  8. How will you work within the court structure to assure the accessibility of all facilities of the courts? For example, participation in the Committee for People with Disabilities, relevant training opportunities?

    It has been my practice to be part of the solution rather than the problem. I would be happy to serve in a capacity to ensure proper accessibility.