Queens Dems nominate candidates for Civil Court race

Melissa earned her law degree at Hofstra University. She resides in southeast Queens.

Melissa currently serves as the principal law clerk to Queens Supreme Court Justice Cheree Buggs.

Ballotpedia: Melissa Deberry

Melissa B. Deberry's run for civil court judge in Queens County, New York is her 1st run for public office. 

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 June 9, 2025, 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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Amish is originally from India. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and accounting from Queens College and a law degree from New York Law School. He lives in Queens.

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Amish currently works as the principal attorney for his own law firm. He previously worked as associate counsel at Day Pitney and as an associate senior auditor at the New York Attorney General's office. He also worked as a financial analyst at the Port Authority in New York and New Jersey. 

Amish R. Doshi's campaign for civil court judge is his first run for public office.

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 June 9, 2025, Amish R. Doshi’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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Amish R. Doshi

Glenda has a bachelor's degree in English from CUNY-Hunter and a law degree from Touro College's Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center.

Glenda currently works as an associate court attorney in the New York State Unified Court System. She is the founder of GM Hernandez Law, PLLC. She previously worked as a supervisor attorney at the Urban Justice Center, an associate at Rodman and Campbell, PC, and as a law clerk for the State Supreme Court. 

Ballotpedia

Glenda M. Hernandez's campaign for Civil Court Judge in Queens County is her first run for public office.  

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 June 9, 2025, 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

Mary-Ann is from St. Andrew, Jamaica. Her family moved to Queens, where she graduated from Francis Lewis High School. She earned her bachelor's degree in political science and sociology from New York University and her law degree from Touro Law Center. She lives in Southeast Queens. 

Mary-Ann is a lawyer and has worked as an administrative law judge, family court attorney, and manager for 3 different administrative hearing courts. She previously worked for the New York City Office of Children and Families. 

Mary-Ann Maloney's campaign for civil court judge is her first run for public office. 

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 June 9, 2025, Mary-Ann E. Maloney’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mary-Ann E. Maloney

Sharifa was born and raised in Queens. She holds a bachelor's degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a law degree from the University at Albany. 

Sharifa currently works at a family law and criminal defense solo practice, the Law Office of Sharifa Milena Nasser, P.C. She previously served as a per diem judicial hearing officer for the NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings and as an impartial hearing officer for the New York State Department of Education.

Ballotpedia: Sharifa Nasser-Cuellar

Sharifa Nasser-Cuellar's campaign for civil court judge in Queens County is her first run for public office.

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 June 9, 2025, 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

Stephen was born and raised in Queens. He earned his law degree from St. John's University. 

Stephen currently works as an attorney in Richmond Hill, Queens specializing in real estate law. 

Ballotpedia, Stephen Dachtera 

Stephen Dachtera's campaign for civil court judge in Queens County, New York is his first run for public office. 

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 June 9, 2025, 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

William was born in Queens County. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from St. John’s University and a law degree from Saint John’s Law School. 

William currently works as managing attorney at William D Shanahan Law Office and as court arbitrator. He previously worked as an assistant district attorney in Nassau County and then as a senior trial litigator for Allstate Insurance.

Ballotpedia, William Shanahan

William David Shanahan previously ran for judgeship in New York City Civil Court Queens County 6th Municipal Court District in 2023 and judgeship in New York City Civil Court Queens County in 2021 and 2022, but he did not win. 

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 June 9, 2025, 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.