CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – District Administrative Judge Hon. Andrew Crecca is proud to announce that the Suffolk County Courts launched their 2026 Women’s History Month observance with a Women in the Law panel presentation that was held on March 13th at the Central Jury Room of the John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex in Central Islip. The panelists were asked to speak to an audience of more than 100 female high school students from districts across Suffolk County. The event marked the first of three programs organized by the courts this month to recognize the achievements and leadership of women throughout the justice system.
Hosted in partnership with the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York and the Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association, the program featured a diverse panel of female professionals serving in a wide range of roles within the courts. Panelists – including judges, court administrators, an interpreter, stenographer, and uniformed court officer – shared their personal career journeys in the legal field and in public service, while offering insights and advice to the young audience of future women leaders.
“The courts are honored to host this program and to highlight the many different careers that exist within our court system,” said Suffolk’s District Administrative Judge Crecca to the students in his welcoming remarks. “It is wonderful to see so many students here to learn about the various paths that are open to you should you wish to pursue a career in the courts. It is never too early to begin thinking about all the opportunities that are out there.”
The panelists for the Women in the Law program were:
- Hon. Cheryl Joseph, Acting Supreme Court Justice & Supervising Judge of Matrimonial Parts.
- Hon. Mary Kate Mullen, Suffolk County District Court Judge.
- Rachel Landkammer, Deputy Chief Clerk, Suffolk County Court.
- Julie Walsh, Court Attorney Referee.
- Sergeant Evelyn Portes, Supervising Court Officer.
- Darlene Devlin, Senior Court Reporter.
- Kelli Houlihan, Judicial Secretary.
- Shawn Renee Guzman, Principal Court Interpreter.
“It was a privilege to take part in such an inspiring discussion with so many accomplished women who serve our courts in different roles,” said Hon. Cheryl Joseph, a panelist and Chair of Suffolk County’s Equal Justice in the Courts Committee. “Programs like this help students see that there are many meaningful paths to serving the public through the justice system, and I was honored to share my experiences with the next generation.”
As part of the month-long celebration, the courts will continue their observance on March 16th with a ceremony honoring Suffolk County’s top female court officers who serve in supervisory and leadership roles. Ten uniformed female supervisors will be recognized for their dedication to protecting the courts and the public, while retired Chief Court Officer Eileen Mallon – Suffolk County’s first female Chief Court Officer – will be honored for her trailblazing 35-year career in the court system.
The court’s Women’s History Month celebration will conclude on March 26th with a Grand Celebration at the Cohalan Court Complex, where additional awards will be presented honoring women who have made significant contributions to the courts and the community. The event will feature a keynote address, choir performances, and a luncheon reception.
