Two Suffolk County attorneys were honored with the annual Honorable Theresa Whelan Attorney-for-Child Award at a ceremony held at the Suffolk County Bar Association in Hauppauge.
The award recognizes one attorney from each of Suffolk County’s Family Court facilities in Central Islip and Riverhead whose work as an Attorney-for-Child (AFC) demonstrates exceptional dedication, skill, and commitment to the welfare of children involved in the justice system.
The 2025 recipients of the award were Thomas McNally, Esq., of Hauppauge, and Debra Byrnes, Esq., of Holbrook.
The award is named in memory of the late Honorable Theresa Whelan, former Supervising Judge of Suffolk County Family Court, who dedicated her career to the fair and humane administration of justice. Judge Whelan passed away in 2022 following a battle with cancer, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and service to Suffolk County families and children.
Honorable Thomas F. Whelan, Supervising Judge of the Suffolk County Supreme Court Civil Parts and widower of Judge Whelan, introduced the award and recognized the honorees. He was joined by Supervising Judge of Suffolk County Family Court Honorable Caren Loguercio and Family Court Judge Honorable George Harkin.
Judge Loguercio presented the award to McNally, who has served as an AFC for more than 15 years and has held leadership roles on numerous committees and organizations focused on family and matrimonial law. Judge Harkin honored Byrnes for her advocacy on Long Island’s East End. Byrnes has served as an AFC for more than 30 years and has received multiple awards for her work in family and matrimonial law.
“Mr. McNally and Ms. Byrnes are most deserving of the Judge Whelan AFC Award,” Judge Loguercio said. “Their professionalism and unwavering commitment to children in Family Court make them truly worthy of this recognition.”