2023 Power Players Rising

The Hon. Joseph A. Zayas was appointed by Chief Judge Rowan Wilson in May 2023 as the chief administrative judge of the New York State Unified Court System, the highest-ranking administrative position within the Judiciary. Judge Zayas previously served as an associate justice of the Appellate Division and as the administrative judge for the Supreme Court in Queens. Judge Zayas was previously an attorney with The Legal Aid Society. He attended public schools in New York City and was raised in the Frederick Douglass Houses. 

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in 2023?
In 2023, I am most proud of working closely with our new Chief Judge, Rowan Wilson, in putting together a great, collaborative leadership team of judges for the Unified Court System — with Judge Norman St. George as First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge and Judges Edwina Richardson, Deborah Kaplan, and James Murphy as Deputy Chief Administrative Judges. They are extraordinary leaders who will help our courts to deliver fair and equitable justice throughout New York. 

What advice would you give to someone starting off in your industry?
My advice to new lawyers and judges is to seek out the difficult, challenging cases, keep developing as a lawyer or judge, and work hard. Strive for excellence, with humility, in everything you do. 

If you weren’t in your current career, what else would you be doing?
If I were not a jurist, I would want to return to the practice of law, litigating cases at the trial and appellate level. I would also devote a portion of my practice to representing those in marginalized communities. 

Susan Zhuang is a local resident, first-generation immigrant, and a working mother of two children. As chief of staff for NYS Assembly Member William Colton, Zhuang is proud to serve as a community organizer, connector, and advocate in Southern Brooklyn. Zhuang has worked tirelessly on many pressing issues faced by the diverse communities, from fighting for public safety, advocating social justice, and protecting small businesses to defending fair access to public education and social services, especially for under-represented families.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in 2023?
Winning the primary has been a great accomplishment, but for me it was the way we were able to come together as a community to fight for what we stand for. My campaign united people on all sides. Our mission is to bridge divides, overcome differences, and empower people to create meaningful change in our community. Being able to build this coalition of everyday people has been my greatest accomplishment this year.

What advice would you give to someone starting off in your industry?
My advice to someone looking to run an office: you have to really be invested in it and work very hard. Be invested in your community and be able to work with everyone, no matter the party or race. The best advice comes from the people in the community. You have to believe in what you can do to make the community better and stand by it.

If you weren’t in your current career, what else would you be doing?
I would still volunteer in our community because it brings me joy and satisfaction. Whether it’s organizing fundraising events for worthy causes, or simply lending a helping hand to those in need, serving the community truly ignites my soul. I also want to reach out to more young people involved in community initiatives. It’s crucial to empower the next generation, provide them with opportunities to develop their skills, make connections, and create lasting change.

Lisa Zornberg is currently a litigation partner at Debevoise & Plimpton, based in the firm’s New York City office. She is a member of the White Collar & Regulatory Defense Group, where her practice focuses on white collar defense, regulatory enforcement actions, and internal investigations for corporations and financial institutions as well as complex civil litigation. Previously, Zornberg was the chief of the Criminal Division at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.