Rachel Freier is an American attorney and judge who, in 2017, became the first Orthodox Jewish woman elected to public office in New York City. She serves as a judge of the Civil Court of Kings County (Brooklyn), handling civil and small‑claims matters.
Early life and education
Freier was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a family of Holocaust survivors. She attended public schools in the borough and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brooklyn College. She received her Juris Doctor from New York Law School and subsequently completed a Master of Science in Education. In addition to her secular studies, Freier pursued religious scholarship and obtained rabbinic ordination through a program affiliated with the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
Legal career
After admission to the New York State Bar Association, Freier worked as a litigation attorney in private practice, focusing on family law, housing, and consumer matters. She later served as a law clerk for a New York Supreme Court justice, gaining experience in civil procedure and case management.
Judicial election
In the November 2017 municipal elections, Freier ran as a Democratic candidate for the Civil Court of Kings County. She won the primary and general elections, securing a ten‑year term that began on January 1 2018. Her election marked a historic milestone as she became the first Orthodox Jewish woman to serve as an elected judge in the city.
Notable achievements and affiliations
- Freier has been an active community organizer within Brooklyn’s Hasidic neighborhoods, advocating for legal assistance programs and voter‑registration drives.
- She has served on the board of several nonprofit organizations focused on education, social services, and interfaith dialogue.
- Freier frequently speaks on the topics of gender inclusion in religious communities and the intersection of civil law with religious practice.
Personal life
Freier resides in Brooklyn with her husband and children. She continues to engage in religious study and is recognized within her community for her dual roles as a legal professional and a rabbinic scholar.
References
Information compiled from publicly available biographical data, election records, and reputable news sources reporting on Rachel Freier’s career and election.