NY State Bar Association Honors Three Women for Legal Excellence

The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) celebrated its 150th anniversary with an award ceremony in Manhattan this week, recognizing the exceptional contributions of legal professionals from across the state. Among the honorees were three distinguished women from Central New York: Hon. Mae A. D’Agostino, Hon. Deborah Karalunas, and Kaitlyn M. Guptill, each receiving awards for their outstanding achievements in the legal field.

Hon. Mae A. D’Agostino, United States District Judge for the Northern District of New York, received the Outstanding Jurist Award for her significant contributions since her appointment in 2011. Before taking the bench, Judge D’Agostino practiced law at the firm of D’Agostino, Krackeler, Maguire & Cardona PC. A magna cum laude graduate of Siena College, she also attended Syracuse University College of Law, where she excelled in advocacy. Throughout her more than 30-year career, she has tried numerous civil cases, including landmark cases under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Judge D’Agostino has accumulated a remarkable array of accolades, including the Daniel H. Mahoney Memorial Award for her commitment to her clients and the legal profession. Recently, she received the 2025 Robert L. Haig Award from the NYSBA’s Commercial and Federal Litigation Section, along with recognition from the American Lawyers Alliance for her dedication to civic education. She actively engages students statewide, teaching them about the judicial branch and the U.S. Constitution.

Another honoree, Kaitlyn M. Guptill of Lynn Law Firm LLP in Syracuse, was awarded the Sheldon Hurtwitz Young Lawyer Award for her contributions in the field of insurance law. Guptill’s unique experience as a felony trial prosecutor and appellate attorney with the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office has provided her with insightful perspectives on legal practices.

Her commitment to justice extends beyond the courtroom, as she serves as treasurer on the executive board of the Central New York Women’s Bar Association. In 2024, she was recognized with the Beacon Award for her community contributions and mentorship of new lawyers. Guptill’s background on a family dairy farm informs her understanding of agricultural challenges, further enriching her role in the legal community.

Receiving the Betty D. Friedlander Award for Trial Excellence was Hon. Deborah Karalunas, Supreme Court Justice for Onondaga County. Karalunas earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and graduated cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law. After clerking for U.S. District Court Judge Howard G. Munson, she joined the law firm Bond, Schoeneck & King, eventually becoming a partner.

Elected as a Supreme Court Justice in 2002, Karalunas presides over a wide range of civil cases. Her extensive involvement includes leading various committees within the New York State Bar Association and serving on the board of directors of both the Onondaga County Bar Association and the Central New York Women’s Bar Association. She has been honored with multiple awards for her dedication to legal education and ethics, including the Karen DeCrow Award and the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from Syracuse University.

The awards ceremony highlights the significant achievements of women in law and their impact on their communities. As these three women exemplify excellence in their respective fields, their recognition serves to inspire future generations of legal professionals.

This event not only commemorates the accomplishments of these honorees but also underscores the ongoing contributions of women in the legal profession across New York State.