Judge JaHarr S. Pridgen was sworn in as the new Chief Buffalo City Court Judge on June 30, 2022.
Mayor Byron W. Brown appointed Judge Pridgen originally appointed her to the bench on January 2, 2015. In appointing Judge Pridgen, as Chief City Court Judge, Mayor Brown cited Pridgen's ""impeccable credentials, strong ethics and her passion for the city,"" adding that he was confident that her sound judicial temperament would make her a ""kind and compassionate presence on the bench.""
In November, 2015, after receiving endorsements from the Democratic, Republican, Conservative, and Working Families Parties, Judge Pridgen was elected unopposed to serve a ten year term to the Buffalo City Court bench. As a Buffalo City Court Judge, Judge Pridgen handles criminal and civil cases.
Prior to her appointment and election, Judge Pridgen served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Erie County District Attorney's Office. As an Assistant District Attorney, Judge Pridgen prosecuted misdemeanor and felony cases. She also served as a Legislative Assistant to former University District Common Councilmember Bonnie E. Russell.
Judge Pridgen attended Buffalo Public School #68 and after attending and graduating from ""Buffalo Prep,"" Judge Pridgen received a four year scholarship and attended Holy Angels Academy. Judge Pridgen earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and earned her Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2007.
She is a member of the Minority Bar Association of Western New York, Bar Association of Erie County, Western New York Chapter of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York, New York State Bar Association, National Association of Women Judges, and New York State Association of City Court Judges.
Judge Pridgen is the recipient of several awards and acknowledgments. Judge Pridgen attributes her success and accomplishments to her family and strong faith in God.
Judge Pridgen is also honored to carry the title of ""First Lady"" as she is the wife of Elder Craig D. Pridgen, Pastor of True Bethel Baptist Church of Niagara Falls.
