Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks Honored by New York State Bar Association for Mentoring Next Generation of Lawyers
1.20.2026
Judge Mae D’Agostino and Ruth G. Schapiro Award honoree Chief Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks.
The New York State Bar Association honored Chief Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks with its Ruth G. Schapiro Award during a meeting of its governing body at the association’s Annual Meeting in New York City on Friday, Jan. 16.
Judge Dancks is a United States Magistrate judge for the Northern District of New York. She was appointed to the federal bench in 2012, making history as the first woman in that role.
“I stand for promoting women in the legal profession,” Judge Dancks said while accepting the award. “I have unapologetically and relentlessly pushed for women to succeed in the legal profession, and have the same opportunities as their male colleagues… Especially judges, because I believe the bench should reflect the community that it serves, and the lawyers and litigants who come before the court are from all walks of life.”
Judge Dancks has made it her mission to “pay it forward” to the next generation of lawyers – most notably mentoring more than 50 law students as externs. She has also hosted students of all ages in her courtroom, introducing them to the court system, citizenship, careers in the law, and much more.
“I encourage you to be mentors and allies,” Judge Dancks said. “Promote equal access to justice and equal opportunities for everyone in the legal profession. Promote civility and civics education, and pay it forward – with kindness, with humility, and with humor.”
She serves on the Diversity Committee of the Federal Magistrate Judges Association and often writes and speaks on panels related to diversity on the bench. She is also a past president of the Central New York Women’s Bar Association. During her term, Judge Dancks established the organization’s award-winning Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Clinic.
“Colleagues and friends describe Judge Dancks as being fair, compassionate, trustworthy, energetic – and having a huge heart,” said Kathleen Sweet, president of the New York State Bar Association. “Her work to promote diversity and support women in the legal profession has enhanced so many lives.”