Mexican American judges to make history on NYC Civil Court

December 3, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

The courthouse at 111 Centre St. in Lower Manhattan, where Crystal Villaseñor and Elizabeth Shamahs will be inducted as judges of New York City’s Civil Court this December, marking a historic milestone for Mexican American representation in the judiciary. Screenshot via Google Street View

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Two newly elected judges, Crystal Villaseñor and Elizabeth Shamahs, will be inducted this month as among the first Mexican Americans to serve on New York City’s Civil Court.

The ceremonies will take place in Courtroom 325 at 111 Centre St. in Lower Manhattan, with Villaseñor being inducted on Dec. 3 and Shamahs on Dec. 12. Both will assume their roles in January 2025.

Villaseñor currently serves as an associate court attorney in Bronx Criminal Court under Judge Dan Quart. Her legal career has included managing her own law practice and working as a “special master” in the Special Masters Program, which fosters diversity in the judiciary. A graduate of Florida Coastal School of Law, Villaseñor has been recognized for her leadership and dedication to mentoring others, particularly through her work with the New York Women’s Bar Association.

Shamahs, of Mexican-Iraqi heritage, has been deputy chief court attorney in the Civil Term of New York County Supreme Court. In this role, she oversees more than 50 court attorneys and referees.

Shamahs began her career as a special assistant corporation counsel for the New York City Human Resources Administration and has presided over hearings and trials as a special referee. She is a Touro Law Center graduate and has contributed to legal education by coaching and judging high school mock trial competitions.