By Jeff Lipton
Prior to his confirmation, Judge Aaron was principal deputy town attorney for the Town of Hempstead for about 12 years.
"This is the pinnacle of my career," said Aaron in a phone interview from his Hewlett Harbor home last Friday. "Being a judge is what many people aspire to but few attain."
Aaron, who had been practicing law since 1992, was appointed to finish the remainder of the term of another judge who was elected to the Nassau County Supreme Court in November. The Family Court judgeship expires Dec. 31, and Aaron could decide to run for the 10-year post in the November election.
Aaron said he took a big risk in submitting his name for consideration of the judgeship because as a judge he is forbidden to practice law, which means besides giving up his post with the town, he had to also relinquish his position as attorney for the Village of Hewlett Harbor, which he had held for the last two years. "I absolutely loved that job," he said of the village attorney's post.
As village attorney, he helped change many laws, including the date of the vote for village elections from April to June to make it more convenient for residents of the village. He also helped fix up Willow Pond, the local waterway that was in deterioration.
After becoming a judge, he also had to give up his private practice as a real estate attorney.
"This is a chance I'm taking, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a judge," Aaron said.
He believes he was appointed as a judge because of his extensive background helping children. "I think I was chosen because of my work with kids in education," said Aaron, who is certified as a guidance counselor.
He began teaching biology and middle school science in the Carle Place
Schools in 1969 and was quickly promoted to Science Department chairman.
In 1980, he became the supervisor of science for the Lawrence Public Schools, where he introduced the science research program to the district. Working closely with Wayne Seyfert, the research specialist, Aaron helped produce Lawrence's first Westinghouse Science Talent Search semifinalist.
In 1984 Aaron became the assistant principal of Calhoun High School and was promoted to director of curriculum for the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District.
"I've done a lot of work with children," he said. "I have represented children at school board hearings as an attorney."
He has also been an adjunct professor at Nassau Community College since 1974, teaching "Human Sexuality and Family Living," which focuses on child custody, separation and divorce.
In his courtroom, in the Nassau County Family Court building, at 1200 Old Country Rd. in Mineola, he presides over cases involving child custody, child support and orders of protection. In his short time thus far on the bench, he said, he has noticed that his court cases know no socioeconomic boundaries. He has seen cases from Roosevelt and Freeport as well as Muttontown, Brookville, Great Neck and Syosset.
"So far, it's been exciting," said Aaron about his few weeks spent on the bench. "I have a great staff to work with. But I've heard some really heart-wrenching cases already."
In announcing that Aaron has been confirmed, Sen. Skelos said, "I am very proud that such a great person and Hewlett Harbor resident will now be a judge in the Nassau County Family Court. Merik is a good friend, and his background as an educator makes him an outstanding addition to the Family Court. The children of Nassau County will greatly benefit with Judge Aaron presiding."
Aaron was the president of the Kiwanis of the Five Towns in 1999 and earned a life membership in that organization for the work he did on behalf of the community. He is a vice president of the Woodmere Merchants Association, and was recently honored as the group's "Man of the Year," and served on the Board of Trustees of the Five Towns Community Council. He was the North Woodmere Republican executive leader for the past five years, was a member of The Woodmere Club and is currently a member of The Lawrence Country Club.
Comments about this story? Jlipton@liherald.com or (516) 569-400 ext. 210.
