Womens History Month 2025

Throughout March, courts across the state are hosting Women’s History Month programs to promote gender equity and call attention to the many–often overlooked–contributions of women to the law, judiciary, and society. This Women’s History Homepage is dedicated to news of these court-sponsored programs and also features interviews with some of the New York State Courts’ trailblazers––pioneers to today’s leaders, movers, and shakers.

The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, in celebration of Women’s History Month, honors the extraordinary legacy of Justice Betty Weinberg Ellerin, a trailblazer whose career has reshaped the legal landscape for women in the judiciary.

A pioneer in every sense, Justice Ellerin shattered barriers as the first woman to serve as Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the New York City Courts, the first woman appointed as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, and later, the first woman to hold the esteemed position of Presiding Justice of that court.

Justice Ellerin is more than a jurist, she is a champion for justice. Through her decades of leadership, she has fought tirelessly to eliminate gender bias in the courts, support victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, and create opportunities for women in the legal profession. Her unwavering commitment to equality continues to inspire generations of attorneys, judges, and advocates. In recognition of her profound impact, the New York State Judicial Committee on Women in the Courts now bears her name—an enduring tribute to her vision and dedication.

In this video, Justice Betty Weinberg Ellerin shares her remarkable journey in her own words, reflecting on her groundbreaking achievements, fearless advocacy, and lasting contributions to the pursuit of justice. The Williams Commission is proud to celebrate her ongoing legacy and reaffirm this vital mission.