News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 9, 2022

Paul Shechtman to Serve as Deputy Commissioner

of Legal Matters/General Counsel

A criminal justice Lawyer with over 40 years of experience to serve as General Counsel at DOC.

East Elmhurst, NY – DOC has appointed a new Deputy Commissioner of Legal Matters/General Counsel, Paul Shechtman. Mr. Shechtman has over 40 years of legal experience and was instrumental in getting several criminal justice reforms passed into law in New York State.

Paul worked with the Lippman Commission on sentencing reform and was the main architect of the New York State Sentencing Reform Act of 1995 and spearheaded the Sex Offender Registration Act.

He received his law degree from Harvard where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, a master’s degree from Oxford University and a bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College.

“I am pleased to have Paul join the DOC team,” said DOC Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “He has dedicated his career to public service, especially in the field of criminal justice and I look forward to utilizing his decades of experience as we work to transform this department.”

“I want to thank Mayor Adams and Commissioner Molina for this opportunity,” said Mr. Shechtman. “I have devoted my career to implementing criminal justice reform and I am eager to be a part of a team of correctional professionals that are dedicated to transforming the city’s jails.”

“The city of New York is lucky to have Paul Shechtman returning to public service. He brings not only an unparalleled record of commitment to making all New Yorkers safer, but a commitment to justice and fairness for everyone,” said George Pataki, former Governor of New York State. “I was honored to have him as part of my administration when we completely revamped the criminal justice system of New York State to enhance the safety of the people. He will bring the highest level of professionalism to the Adams administration.”

“Paul Shechtman is a brilliant lawyer whose genius is both practical and legal, he is highly respected for his ability to solve the hardest problems,” said Mary Jo White, former United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. “The city is very fortunate to have him in this challenging and critical position.”

“From day one, Paul Shechtman will be an outstanding Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel for the New York City Department of Correction,” said Anthony J. Annucci, NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Acting Commissioner. “He not only brings a wealth of criminal justice and legal experience to the position, but his ability to learn and readily grasp complex new statutes and legal principles is unrivaled among lawyers. His recruitment by the City Department of Correction is a major coup.”

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The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment while providing individuals in our care with a path to successfully re-enter their communities.