Dennis R. Hawkins
Executive Director
Mr. Hawkins joined Modern Courts in November 2005. As part of his efforts to share Modern Courts’ experience with the international community, he has traveled to Moscow to explain Modern Courts’ Citizens Jury Project to Russian jurors and participated in an international conference in Tunisia where he explained how Modern Courts works to achieve and support judicial independence in the United States. Previously, he was the Regional Anti-Corruption Advisor in Eurasia for the American Bar Association’s Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative (CEELI), a public service project that advances the rule of law by supporting the legal reform process. Until 2001, Mr. Hawkins served as the Deputy District Attorney in charge of the Rackets Division in Kings County, New York. Prior to that he was a Special Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Special Prosecutor for the New York City Criminal Justice System, Counsel to The Association of the Bar of the City of New York, Counsel to the New York City Fire Department and Counsel to the New York State Assembly Education Committee.
Denise Kronstadt
Deputy Executive Director/Director of Advocacy and Policy
Denise Kronstadt joined Modern Courts in January 2006. Ms. Kronstadt is responsible for advancing the policy and legislative agenda, developing strategic partnerships, building statewide coalitions, government relations, court monitoring, resource and training, policy reports, pro bono coordination, board relations, digital and social media, budget review and management, fundraising, development and programs. She serves on the Chief Judge’s Commission on Access to Justice and as counsel to the Advisory Council on Immigrants and State Courts. Her strong track record advocating for a strong and effective justice system and economic equality began before her tenure at Modern Courts. As a Legislator in Rockland County, she successfully advanced policies including protecting parkland from development, funding for bilingual women’s health services, and immigrant day worker centers. She chaired the Multi-Services Committee and the Special Citizens Committee on HAVA (Help America Vote Act). Ms. Kronstadt has managed and advised local campaigns for progressive candidates and social justice issues. Formerly a Supervising Attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County in charge of the Homelessness Prevention Program where she managed a team of attorneys in eviction prevention, foreclosures and crisis cases. Ms. Kronstadt has taught courses on women and politics, domestic violence, criminal justice and American political parties. She received her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and began her career as a staff attorney with District Council 37. She has also worked at the New York State Attorney General’s office.