In a testament to CUNY School of Law’s enduring mission of advancing justice and equity through legal education, seven alumni secured positions on the bench in the November 2024 elections. The newly elected and re-elected judges, representing graduating classes from 1998 to 2002, will serve in courts across New York City’s boroughs.
“The election of seven CUNY Law alumni to judicial positions is a significant moment for our institution and for the communities we serve,” said Dean Sudha Setty. ” Our graduates are transforming the judiciary, bringing CUNY Law’s values of justice, equity, and inclusion to courts across New York City. Their presence on the bench ensures that our courts better reflect the diversity of our city and that judicial decisions are informed by a deep understanding of the challenges facing all New Yorkers.”
Meet Our Newly Elected and Re-elected Judges
Hon. Angel Cruz ’99, newly elected to the Bronx Civil Court, brings extensive legal experience to the bench. His compelling journey to judgeship, previously featured in New York media, highlights the transformative power of legal education and public service. Cruz joins his wife, Hon. Lumarie Maldonado-Cruz ’02, in judicial service.
Hon. Lumarie Maldonado-Cruz ’02 advances from New York City Civil Court to Justice of the Supreme Court in the 11th Judicial District. A graduate of John Jay College and CUNY Law, she has served on the Appellate Division’s First Department Character and Fitness Committee (2009-2019) and presided over Criminal Term New York County cases since 2020.
Hon. Deidra R. Moore ’99 joins the Bronx Civil Court after establishing deep roots in her community through her private practice. Known for her commitment to justice and equity, Moore expressed enthusiasm about continuing to serve her community from the bench, emphasizing the importance of compassionate and integrity-driven judicial leadership.
Hon. Sandra M. Munoz ’01, elevated to Justice of the Supreme Court in the 11th Judicial District, embodies CUNY Law’s mission of expanding access to justice. The daughter of Dominican Republic immigrants, she pursued her legal education as a single mother in her forties, beginning her career as a community-based family law attorney.
Hon. Elizabeth J. Newton ’98, newly elected to the Civil Court for Queens’ 4th Municipal Court District, brings valuable experience from her work at the Legal Aid Society. Her career spans multiple practice areas, including family court prosecution, housing court advocacy, and criminal defense. Newton has shown dedication to legal education and community service through leadership roles in various bar associations.
Hon. Eliezer Rodriguez ’99 and his wife, Hon. Fiordaliza Rodriguez ’99, serve as judges on the Bronx Civil Court and Bronx Family Court, respectively. Together, they created Project Club Clemente, which organized the “Flight for Humanity” — a symbolic journey honoring baseball legend Roberto Clemente, who perished in 1972 while delivering earthquake relief supplies to Nicaragua. Eliezer founded the initiative while Fiordaliza provided pro bono legal services, exemplifying CUNY Law’s tradition of public service and its lasting influence on New York City’s judiciary.
Hon. Christopher J. Robles ’98 advances to Justice of the Supreme Court in the 2nd Judicial District, building on his experience in the Criminal Court of New York City. His nearly two-decade career spans family law, civil practice, and appellate work, beginning with his 2017 appointment as an Interim Civil Court Judge. He is currently acting Justice of the Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term.
These appointments underscore CUNY Law’s growing influence in shaping a judiciary that truly reflects and understands our communities. As our alumni take their oaths of office, they carry forward our founding mission: law in service of human needs, now embodied on benches across New York City.