NYSBA to honor judges Murphy and Karalunas at annual meeting

January 9, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Justice Deborah H. Karalunas, honored with the Advancement of Judicial Diversity Award, and Justice James P. Murphy, recipient of the Distinguished Jurist Award.
Photos courtesy of the NYSBA

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At the upcoming New York State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting, during a luncheon at the New York Hilton Midtown on Friday, Jan. 19, two esteemed judges will receive honors for their exceptional service.

The association’s Judicial Section will present Justice James P. Murphy with its Distinguished Jurist Award and Justice Deborah H. Karalunas with its Advancement of Judicial Diversity Award.

“Justices Murphy and Karalunas have dedicated their careers to ensure that all New Yorkers are treated equally by the state’s judiciary and have elevated the standards of delivering justice,” said NYSBA President Richard Lewis. “They embody the association’s commitment to serving the public. I am personally acquainted with both of these judges, and they are extremely passionate about the state of the judiciary and legal profession.”

Justice Murphy, a key figure in the NYSBA, served as the administrative judge of the Fifth District before his appointment as deputy chief administrative judge for all courts outside of New York City. He is also a recipient of the Onondaga County Bar Association’s 2023 Ruger Award and is an influential member of the Onondaga County Legislature.

Justice Karalunas has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion throughout her career. She has served as the presiding justice of the State Supreme Court, Fifth District, Commercial Division, since 2007.

Karalunas’s impactful work led to her becoming the first female administrative judge in the Fifth District. She is a past president of the Central New York Women’s Bar Association and a respected voice on trial practice topics.

“Justices Murphy and Karalunas both care deeply about people and have devoted their careers to public service,” said Hon. Gregory Gilbert, chair of the Judicial Section. “Both have provided exemplary service within the New York State Bar Association as past chairs of the Judicial Section. They are well-known, respected and distinguished trial judges in addition to being knowledgeable mentors and colleagues to many.”