Queens Dems nominate candidates for Civil Court race

Ballotpedia: Melissa Deberry

As a superior court clerk, records, files, and maintains court records and official documents, schedules cases, and ensures the public availability of all court proceedings.

- As a superior court clerk, records, files, and maintains court records and official documents, schedules cases, and ensures the public availability of all court proceedings.

Legal Experience

As of September 24, 2024, Melissa B. Deberry did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Melissa B. Deberry

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As a principal attorney at Doshi Legal Group, P.C., Doshi acts as outside general counsel to many different businesses, including startups and closely held companies, worked in bankruptcy/creditors' rights, workouts, restructurings, residential and commercial real estate transactions, incorporation and creation of business entities, buying/selling businesses, and commercial & general litigation.

As a senior counsel at Day Pitney, Doshi represented creditors and asset-based lenders in state and federal courts, represented consumer lending institutions in connection with the prosecution of actions against borrowers and prosecution and defense of mortgage fraud claims.

As an associate senior auditor, audited the books and records of medical providers receiving reimbursement from the state, and assisted in investigating and prosecuting providers suspected of Medicaid fraud.

- As a principal attorney at Doshi Legal Group, P.C., Doshi acts as outside general counsel to many different businesses, including startups and closely held companies, worked in bankruptcy/creditors' rights, workouts, restructurings, residential and commercial real estate transactions, incorporation and creation of business entities, buying/selling businesses, and commercial & general litigation.
- As a senior counsel at Day Pitney, Doshi represented creditors and asset-based lenders in state and federal courts, represented consumer lending institutions in connection with the prosecution of actions against borrowers and prosecution and defense of mortgage fraud claims.
- As an associate senior auditor, audited the books and records of medical providers receiving reimbursement from the state, and assisted in investigating and prosecuting providers suspected of Medicaid fraud.

As of September 24, 2024, Amish R. Doshi’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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Amish R. Doshi

Ballotpedia

As associate court attorney, researches and analyzes complex legal questions, drafts decisions and orders, and advises judge on legal issues.

As a principal law clerk for the New York State Court System for 11 years, partnered with and advised judges on complex legal questions regarding criminal trials, hearings, and motions; drafted opinions, orders, jury charges, and verdict sheets; attended and witnessed criminal trials to prepare for potential issues, managed the motion calendar, and in cases of first impression, analyzed and interpreted established case and statutory law to advise the judge on the conclusion.

As an executive assistant to the Presiding Justice in the New York State Appellate Division for 2 years, provided various administrative and legal services that were specifically requested; supervised staff; performed legal research and writing and conferred with/advised the judge on ethical issues; and reviewed Notice of Appeals to determine eligibility for the court’s mediation program.

As a small claims arbitrator for the Civil Court of the City of New York for 6 years, conducted trials and inquest hearings; mediated settlement conferences; discerned relevant facts to make decisions that comported with substantial justice in commercial contracts, property damage, insurance, landlord/tenant disputes, and employment, among other areas.

As a managing partner at GM Hernandez PLLC for 2 years, oversaw finances and budgeting, shaped and enforced firm culture, helped attract new clients, managed and mentored legal associates, and guided growth in the firm’s areas of legal practice, specializing in administrative hearings, estate planning, and landlord-tenant disputes.

As supervisor attorney at The Urban Justice Center for 1 year, managed a team of attorneys and staff members; provided support and supervision to housing staff; oversaw landlord and tenant legal services; represented clients in housing court proceedings and administrative hearings; maintained resources needed to sustain a high-volume litigation practice; oversaw case assignments and workload distribution; conducted outreach and education for tenants; worked closely with tenant organizing groups; represented the organization in coalitions and community partnerships; managed program budgets and resources; reported on program outcomes and impact, and participated in fundraising and grant writing efforts. 

As an attorney at Rodman and Campbell, PC for 1 year, established the criteria and procedure for adoptions, litigated hearings and trials in Surrogates Court, Civil Court, and Supreme Court, negotiated settlements, conducted discovery conferences, interviewed clients, and drafted correspondence, pleadings, and motions, and completed over 10 adoptions of children formerly in foster homes.

- As associate court attorney, researches and analyzes complex legal questions, drafts decisions and orders, and advises judge on legal issues.
- As a principal law clerk for the New York State Court System for 11 years, partnered with and advised judges on complex legal questions regarding criminal trials, hearings, and motions; drafted opinions, orders, jury charges, and verdict sheets; attended and witnessed criminal trials to prepare for potential issues, managed the motion calendar, and in cases of first impression, analyzed and interpreted established case and statutory law to advise the judge on the conclusion.
- As an executive assistant to the Presiding Justice in the New York State Appellate Division for 2 years, provided various administrative and legal services that were specifically requested; supervised staff; performed legal research and writing and conferred with/advised the judge on ethical issues; and reviewed Notice of Appeals to determine eligibility for the court’s mediation program.
- As a small claims arbitrator for the Civil Court of the City of New York for 6 years, conducted trials and inquest hearings; mediated settlement conferences; discerned relevant facts to make decisions that comported with substantial justice in commercial contracts, property damage, insurance, landlord/tenant disputes, and employment, among other areas.
- As a managing partner at GM Hernandez PLLC for 2 years, oversaw finances and budgeting, shaped and enforced firm culture, helped attract new clients, managed and mentored legal associates, and guided growth in the firm’s areas of legal practice, specializing in administrative hearings, estate planning, and landlord-tenant disputes.
- As supervisor attorney at The Urban Justice Center for 1 year, managed a team of attorneys and staff members; provided support and supervision to housing staff; oversaw landlord and tenant legal services; represented clients in housing court proceedings and administrative hearings; maintained resources needed to sustain a high-volume litigation practice; oversaw case assignments and workload distribution; conducted outreach and education for tenants; worked closely with tenant organizing groups; represented the organization in coalitions and community partnerships; managed program budgets and resources; reported on program outcomes and impact, and participated in fundraising and grant writing efforts. 
- As an attorney at Rodman and Campbell, PC for 1 year, established the criteria and procedure for adoptions, litigated hearings and trials in Surrogates Court, Civil Court, and Supreme Court, negotiated settlements, conducted discovery conferences, interviewed clients, and drafted correspondence, pleadings, and motions, and completed over 10 adoptions of children formerly in foster homes.

As of September 24, 2024, Glenda M. Hernandez’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Glenda M. Hernandez

Caribbean Life, Jamaican-born attorney vies for Queens Civil Court Judge

As an attorney, researches, drafts, and files legal documents and provides defense and counsel to clients, specializing in administrative and family law.

As an administrative law judge, oversees administrative law cases, which can include taking testimony, ruling on questions of evidence, making factual and legal determinations, issuing subpoenas, and preparing and issuing decisions.

- As an attorney, researches, drafts, and files legal documents and provides defense and counsel to clients, specializing in administrative and family law.
- As an administrative law judge, oversees administrative law cases, which can include taking testimony, ruling on questions of evidence, making factual and legal determinations, issuing subpoenas, and preparing and issuing decisions.

Said, "If elected, I will bring my commitment to fairness, integrity, and equality to the bench, making decisions based solely on the law and the facts, without bias or political influence."

- Said, "If elected, I will bring my commitment to fairness, integrity, and equality to the bench, making decisions based solely on the law and the facts, without bias or political influence."

As of September 24, 2024, Mary-Ann E. Maloney’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mary-Ann E. Maloney

Queens Daily Eagle, Queens Dems nominate candidates for Civil Court race

New York Senate Legislation, Assembly Resolution No. 382

Ballotpedia, Peter F. Lane (New York, New York)

As a legal associate/attorney at the Law Offices of Mordente and Golfinopoulos P.C, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients.

As a principal law clerk, researches and analyzes complex legal issues, drafts opinions and orders in complex matters, confers with lawyers in discovery and settlement conferences, arranges the judge’s calendar and scheduling meetings and conferences, and provides other personal and confidential assistance to the judge.

- As a legal associate/attorney at the Law Offices of Mordente and Golfinopoulos P.C, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients.
- As a principal law clerk, researches and analyzes complex legal issues, drafts opinions and orders in complex matters, confers with lawyers in discovery and settlement conferences, arranges the judge’s calendar and scheduling meetings and conferences, and provides other personal and confidential assistance to the judge.

As of September 27, 2024, Peter F. Lane did not have a website or any information online.

Peter F. Lane

Ballotpedia: Sharifa Nasser-Cuellar

As a solo practitioner, Nasser researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients, specializing in matrimonial, family, and criminal law.

As a per diem judicial hearing officer for the NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, presides over administrative hearings between city enforcement agencies and individuals.

As an impartial hearing officer for the New York State Department of Education, Nasser-Cuellar adjudicates claims under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

As an impartial hearing officer for the New York State Department of Education, adjudicates claims arising under Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. 

Volunteered as a guest lecturer at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County, and the Hispanic National Bar Association.

- As a solo practitioner, Nasser researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients, specializing in matrimonial, family, and criminal law.
- As a per diem judicial hearing officer for the NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, presides over administrative hearings between city enforcement agencies and individuals.
- As an impartial hearing officer for the New York State Department of Education, adjudicates claims arising under Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. 
- Volunteered as a guest lecturer at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County, and the Hispanic National Bar Association.

As of September 24, 2024, Sharifa M. Nasser-Cuellar’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Candidate website

Currently serves as 2nd vice president of the Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County, a delegate for the Queens County Bar Association, and a committee member on the Mayor’s Committee on City Marshals.

Serves as 2nd vice president of the Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County. 

Served as a guest speaker for Career Day at Holy Family Elementary School and guest judge for Young Debaters Club, LLC.

- Serves as 2nd vice president of the Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County. 
- Served as a guest speaker for Career Day at Holy Family Elementary School and guest judge for Young Debaters Club, LLC.

Sharifa M. Nasser-Cuellar

Queens Today, Queens Civil Court Race Takes Shape

Ballotpedia, Stephen Dachtera 

As an attorney specializing in real estate law, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients.

- As an attorney specializing in real estate law, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients.

As of September 24, 2024, Stephen C. Dachtera’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Promises to have cases decided more quickly in order to improve court efficiency.

- Promises to have cases decided more quickly in order to improve court efficiency.

Stephen C. Dachtera

Vision Times, William Shanahan

Ballotpedia, William Shanahan

As a managing partner at William D Shanahan Law Office, oversees finances and budgeting, shapes and enforces firm culture, helps attract new clients, manages and mentors legal associates, and guides growth in the firm’s legal practice areas.

As a legal arbitrator, hears disputes between opposing parties, determines what evidence is relevant during court proceedings, and decides when hearings will be held.

As a senior litigator at Allstate Insurance, managed key client relationships, mentored junior lawyers, oversaw certain areas of legal practice, and provided legal counsel and representation to clients specializing in trial litigation.

As an assistant district attorney, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

- As a managing partner at William D Shanahan Law Office, oversees finances and budgeting, shapes and enforces firm culture, helps attract new clients, manages and mentors legal associates, and guides growth in the firm’s legal practice areas.
- As a legal arbitrator, hears disputes between opposing parties, determines what evidence is relevant during court proceedings, and decides when hearings will be held.
- As a senior litigator at Allstate Insurance, managed key client relationships, mentored junior lawyers, oversaw certain areas of legal practice, and provided legal counsel and representation to clients specializing in trial litigation.
- As an assistant district attorney, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

As of September 24, 2024, William David Shanahan’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Volunteer work includes International Police & Veterans Foundation and Foreign Veterans, back to school giveaways, and food giveaways in Queens County.

- Volunteer work includes International Police & Veterans Foundation and Foreign Veterans, back to school giveaways, and food giveaways in Queens County.

William David Shanahan

- The New York Civil Court has jurisdiction over civil cases involving amounts up to $50,000 and other civil matters referred to it by the Supreme Court.
- It includes a small claims part for informal dispositions of matters not exceeding $10,000 and a housing part for landlord-tenant matters and housing code violations.
- There are 120 judges elected to the Civil Court, but only about 50 sit in it. The remaining judges sit in other courts, such as the Criminal Court or Family Court.
- Judges are elected to 10-year terms in partisan elections.
- They are paid a salary of $216,400.