Three Women from Central New York Honored by NY State Bar Association

The New York State Bar Association is set to celebrate its 150th anniversary with an award ceremony this week in Manhattan, honoring three distinguished women from the Central New York area. The awards recognize exceptional contributions to the legal profession, with each recipient bringing a wealth of experience and commitment to justice.

Hon. Mae A. D’Agostino, a United States District Judge for the Northern District of New York, will receive the Outstanding Jurist Award. Appointed in 2011, Judge D’Agostino has built a remarkable career characterized by significant achievements in her field. A magna cum laude graduate of Siena College, she also holds a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law.

Before her judicial appointment, Judge D’Agostino practiced law for over 30 years, specializing in civil cases including medical malpractice and products liability. She notably presided over the first Americans with Disabilities Act case tried in her district. Her accolades include the Kate Stoneman Award for her advocacy of women in the legal profession and the Edward S. Conway Award for her integrity and commitment to justice.

Kaitlyn M. Guptill, an attorney with Lynn Law Firm LLP in Syracuse, will be presented with the Sheldon Hurtwitz Young Lawyer Award. This award acknowledges her contributions to the field of insurance law and her commitment to civil justice. Guptill has a diverse background, having served as both a felony trial prosecutor and appellate attorney while working with the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office.

Her expertise extends to child abuse cases, where she ensures that victims receive the sensitive treatment they deserve. In 2024, Guptill received the Central New York Women’s Bar Association Beacon Award for her community contributions and mentorship of new lawyers. She actively participates in law enforcement training as an instructor for the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Also recognized is Hon. Deborah Karalunas, who will receive the Betty D. Friedlander Award for Trial Excellence. As a Supreme Court Justice for Onondaga County, Karalunas has made significant contributions to legal education and courtroom ethics. She graduated cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 1982 and has held various leadership roles within the legal community.

Judge Karalunas has presided over a wide range of civil cases and has served on numerous committees, including the 5th Judicial District Women in the Courts Committee. Her commitment to legal education is evident through her teaching at Syracuse University and her frequent lectures on trial practice.

These awards not only highlight the remarkable achievements of these women but also reflect the ongoing commitment of the New York State Bar Association to recognize excellence within the legal profession. The ceremony serves as a reminder of the vital roles these individuals play in shaping the future of law and justice in New York State.