I recently met with Hon. Stephen C. Robinson, a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom L.L.P. who is doing something simple yet earth-shattering: doing what moves you. Life is not easy, for any of us, so don’t complain. Instead, work hard and actively become the person you want others to see and respect.

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About a few days ago, Judge Richard M. Weinberg mentioned that there is an opportunity to rehabilitate low-level offenders by treating them in a unique way: like a human being. The focus is more on restitution rather than punishment.

The Skadden Scholars visited the Midtown Community Court, where they deal with the arraignment of violations and misdemeanors in Midtown Manhattan. The goal of this court is to help offenders deal with the problems that often underlie criminal behavior rather than handing them a quick go to jail card.

Judge Weinberg believes in the mission of the Midtown Community Court and continues to work tirelessly without a raise for over 15 years! He does not take kindly to abuse of the system and is known for never including time served in the sentence. Low-level offenders may be connected with relevant resources (e.g. substance abuse program, counseling, etc.) deemed appropriate to give them a chance to dig themselves out of the proverbial ditch. This first of its kind “problem-solving court” is now the model for various other courts in the nation.

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