Democratic Candidates for NYS Supreme Court

Diversity as We Pursue Justice

Justice in our society is on everyone's minds these days. From our country's highest court undergoing monumental change to our local legislatures considering what it means to properly protect victims while preserving offenders' dignity, there's no question that our judicial system is a topic of conversation for so many.

The pride of Queens is in the diversity of our County and our neighborhoods. While Republicans have shown their priority to be stacking the deck in favor of their own agenda, we Democrats strive for justice at every level. This past summer, the Queens Democrats came together to nominate a slate of judges for the 11th District of New York State's Supreme Court. 

As history talks about the Civil Rights Movement, so too will they talk about today — what we have done to ensure Black lives matter and that immigrants have the right to pursue a better life in America. The camera of history is rolling and the viewers of the future will analyze what we did today to stand for liberty and justice for all.

This November, make sure to vote for the Democratic nominess for New York's Supreme Court. They are:

  • Tracy A. Catapano-Fox
  • Mojgan Cohanim Lancman
  • Lance P. Evans
  • Karina E. Alomar
  • Michelle A. Johnson
  • Darrell L. Gavrin
  • Evelyn L. Braun
  • Kevin J. Kerrigan
  • Leonard Livote

Read more on Chairman Gregory W. Meeks' take on what it means to have such a diverse slate of judges representing justice in Queens.

An abridged version of each of candidate's experience is included below for assisting you in your decision.

Tracy Catapano-Fox

  • Supervising Judge, Queens Civil Court (Jan. 2020 – Present)
  • Civil Court Judge, Queens Civil Court (Jan. 2018-Present)
  • NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board (Jun. 2013-Oct. 2014)
  • Education:
    • Boston College Law School – J.D., 1997
    • John’s University – B.A., 1994
  • Activities:
    • Women’s Bar Association of NY
    • Queens County Women’s Bar Association
    • Queens County Bar Association
    • Columbian Lawyers Association of Queens County

Mojan Cohanim Lancman

  • Acting Justice of the Supreme Court, Queens County (Jan. 2018 – Present)
  • Judge of the Civil Court, Queens County (Jan. 2015-Dec. 2017)
  • Court Attorney Referee, Supreme Court, Queens County (Jan. 2014-Dec. 2014)
  • Principal Law Clerk, Hon. Roger Rosengarten, Supreme Court, Queens County (2005-2013)
  • Education:
    • New York Law School – J.D., 1994
    • CUNY Queens College – B.A., 1991
  • Activities:
    • NYC Civil Court Judges Association
    • Women’s Bar Association of NY
    • Queens County Women’s Bar Association
    • Iranian-American Bar Association-New York

Lance P. Evans

  • Judge, New York City Civil Court (Jan. 2019 – Present)
  • Supreme Court Civil Term, Court Attorney Referee (Mar. 2011-Dec. 2018)
  • Civil Court, Court Attorney & Principal Court Attorney (Jan. 1994 – Jul. 2010)
  • Education:
    • Rutger University School of Law – J.D. and M.A. (International Relations), 1981
    • Cornell University – B.A. (Economics and Urban Planning), 1991
  • Activities:
    • Footsteps to Follow, Inc.
    • Youth Mock Trial Competition, NYS Bar Association
    • Queens County Bar Association
    • Iranian-American Bar Association-New York

Karina E. Alomar

  • Judge, New York City Civil Court (Jan. 2019 – Present)
  • Judge, Criminal Court of NYC, Queens (Jan. 2019 – Present)
  • Alomar & Associated, P.C. (2001-2018)
  • Adjunct Instructor, LaGuardia Community College (2012-2014
  • Arbitrator, Civil Court of NYC (2007 – 2018)
  • Education:
    • John’s University School of Law – J.D., 1999
    • Florida State University – B.A., 1995
  • Activities:
    • VP for the 11th District, New York Bar Association
    • President, Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County
    • Board of Managers, Queens County Bar Association

Michelle A. Johnson

  • Supervising Judge, Queens County Criminal Court (Jan. 2016 – Present)
  • Judge, Queens County Criminal Court (Sep. 2011 – Dec. 2015)
  • Managing Attorney, The Armstrong Law Firm, P.L.L.C. (Apr. 2006 – Sep. 2011)
  • Supervisory General Attorney, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Ed. (Nov. 2003 – Mar. 2006)
  • District Attorney, King County District Attorney’s Office (Oct. 1992 – Nov. 2003)
  • Education:
    • George Washington University National Law Center – J.D., 1992
    • Hampton University – B.A. cum laude, 1989
  • Activities:
    • Association of Judges of NYC Criminal Courts
    • National Association of Women Judges
    • Queens County Women’s Bar Association
    • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Darrell L. Gavrin

  • Judge, Supreme Court, Queens County (Jan. 2007 – Present)
  • Acting Justice, Supreme Court, Queens County (Jun. 1999 – Dec. 2006)
  • Judge of the Civil Court (Jan. 1993 – Jun. 1999)
  • Principal Law Clerk, Queens County (Jan. 1981 – Dec. 1992)
  • Small Claims Arbitrator, Civil Court of NYC (Mar. 1988 – Mar. 1991)
  • Education:
    • Hofstra University School of Law – J.D., 1976
    • SUNY Stony Brook University – B.A. magna cum laude, 1973
  • Activities:
    • Queens County Women’s Bar Association
    • Brandeis Association of Queens County
    • Board of Managers, Queens County Bar Association

Evelyn L. Braun

  • Judge, Supreme Court, Queens County (1992– Present)
  • Judge, Criminal Court of NYC (1991)
  • Judge, Civil Court of NYC (1990)
  • Principal Law Clerk, Queens County (1984 – 1990)
  • Law Assistant, Civil Court of NYC (1979 – 1983)
  • Education:
    • John’s University School of Law – J.D., 1978
    • CUNY Queens College – B.A. magna cum laude, 1976
  • Activities:
    • Advisory Group, NY State and Federal Judicial Council
    • Member, New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct
    • Queens County Bar Association
    • Columbian Lawyers Association
    • New York State Women’s Bar Association

Kevin J. Kerrigan

  • Justice, Supreme Court, Queens County (Jan. 2007 – Present)
  • Judge of the Civil Court (Jan. 2000 – Dec. 2006)
  • Acting Justice, Supreme Court, Queens County (Nov. 2004 – Jan. 2005)
  • Law Secretary, Hon. David Goldstein, Queens County (Jun. 1995 – Dec. 1999)
  • Education:
    • University of Bridgeport School of Law – J.D., 1981
    • Bonaventure University – B.B.A., 1977
  • Activities:
    • Queens County Community Board 2, 1984-1991
    • Hunter Point Waterfront Development Committee, 1988-1990

Leonard Livote

  • Judge, NYS Court of Claims, Acting Justice, Supreme Court, Queens County (Jan. 2014 – Present)
  • New York State Supreme Court, Bronx County Criminal Divison (Nov. 2010 – Dec. 2013)
  • NYS Supreme Court Referee, Trail and Conference Parts (May 2007 – Nov. 2010)
  • Law Clerk, 11th Judicial District Adminstrative Judge (May. 2004 – May 2007)
  • Principal Law Clerk, Various Supreme Court Justrice (Jan. 1990 – May 2004)
  • Education:
    • Western New England College School of Law – J.D., 1978
    • CUNY Queens College – B.B.A., 1975
  • Activities:
    • Retired Military Judge
    • NYS Court of Claims Judges Association
    • Board Member Association of Law Secretaries in NYS Supreme & Surrogate’s Court
    • Board of Directors, Brandeis Lawyer’s Association
    • Graduate, US Army Command and General Staff College