Those looking to run for a judgeship must pass muster with the Suffolk County Bar Association’s Judicial Screening Committee, a prestigious group that has a new chair: former Chief Administrative Judge of the Courts of New York State Gail Prudenti.
The Burner-Prudenti law group partner will head a committee that plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and excellence of Suffolk County’s judiciary. Tasked with evaluating the background, experience, and qualifications of candidates seeking judicial office, the committee ensures that only the most qualified individuals are recommended to the voters.
Comprised of 25 distinguished members, the screening committee represents a cross-section of legal expertise and professional dedication. These members are carefully selected by the bar association President and Board of Directors to uphold the committee’s commitment to impartiality and rigor in the screening process.
Prior to her appointment as Chief Administrative Judge, she served as the Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department in New York State, the first woman to hold that position. She was appointed to the post by then-Gov. George E. Pataki in 2002 after becoming the first woman from Suffolk County to serve as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, the state’s highest court.
As Chief Administrative Judge, Prudenti supervised the statewide court system, which has a budget of over $2.7 billion, 3,600 state and locally paid judges, and 15,000 non-judicial employees in over 350 court facilities. Recognized for her extensive experience and steadfast commitment to justice, Gov. Andrew Cuomo retained her as Chief Judge during his administration.
Also, during her stellar career, Judge Prudenti served as the tenth dean of Hofstra Law from 2017- 2023. In this role, she spearheaded the Law School’s 50th anniversary celebration and Vision 2020 capital campaign, which raised $22 million, far surpassing the initial goal of $17.5 million. During her deanship, the Judge successfully improved the quality and credentials of the student body, strengthened the Law School’s financial standing, launched cutting-edge legal technology and interdisciplinary programs, and helped create the school’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council.
In her various leadership roles, Judge Prudenti developed innovative programs and instituted many initiatives to enhance the administration of justice and promote the public’s trust and confidence in the court system. In 2020, she was appointed to a newly established COVID-19 Recovery Task Force to oversee the pro bono network of lawyers who would assist New Yorkers suffering from the pandemic. The Task Force is a joint effort of the State Bar Association and the state court system.
She is also a Founding Member of Mediation Solutions of NY, a women-owned business with three female founding members. The firm provides in-person and virtual mediation and arbitration services for attorneys and their clients across Long Island and New York City, with offices in Islandia, East Hampton, Southampton, Westhampton Beach, and Manhattan.
Judge Prudenti earned her law degree from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, which also awarded her an honorary Doctorate of Laws and an honorary appointment as Professor in the School of Law. She was also awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law. She graduated from Marymount College of Fordham University with honors. She resides in Great River with her husband, fellow lawyer and former Suffolk County Attorney, Robert J. Cimino.