Biography
Adjunct Professor La Tia W. Martin is a Supreme Court Justice in Bronx County. She began her career after law school as an Assistant District Attorney with the Bronx County District Attorney's Office. She prosecuted criminal cases in both the criminal and supreme courts. She conducted numerous criminal pre-trial hearings as well as trials during her tenure.
In 1982, Professor Martin was appointed Inspector General of the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. Two years later she was appointed by the Department of Investigation Commissioner as the Inspector General of four New York City agencies: the Department of Finance, Tax Commission, Financial Information Services Agency, and Office of Payroll Administration. She was responsible for the overall supervision of major criminal and administrative investigations.
Professor Martin was appointed General Counsel for the New York City Office of the Sheriff in 1990. She rendered advice to the agency commissioner and department heads in all legal matters involving the agency, and conducted peace officer training courses. In 1995, she was appointed to the New York City Criminal Court, where she presided over all criminal matters, including felony and misdemeanor arraignments, misdemeanor pre-trial hearings, and trials.
Professor Martin was assigned to the Bronx County Criminal Court Domestic Violence Part in 1996. Under her leadership, all domestic violence cases were centralized and adjudicated uniformly. As a result of the success of the Domestic Violence Court and the proactive role of the judiciary in the State of New York, it was designated as the domestic violence model for the entire City of New York. In 1998, Professor Martin was elected to the Bronx County Civil Court.
Professor Martin presided over the sole matrimonial part in the Bronx County Supreme Court in 1999, deciding issues relating to domestic violence, support, equitable distribution of property, custody and visitation. In 2003, she was elected to the Bronx County Supreme Court for a 14-year term. In 2006, she accepted an assignment to the Westchester County Supreme Court Matrimonial Part. She is a member of several bar associations, boards of directors, and other community organizations, and has held several positions in the National Association of Women Judges and is currently the President of the organization.
Education
- BS, Boston University
- JD, Rutgers School of Law-Newark