Karen K. Peters

Karen K. Peters (born July 29, 1947) is an American jurist who served as Presiding Justice of the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division, Third Department from 2012 until her retirement in 2017 and was the first woman to serve in that role.

Early life and education Peters was raised on Long Island, New York. She attended The George Washington University (B.A., 1969) and received her J.D. degree from the New York University School of Law (1972).

Legal career Peters began her legal career in private practice in New Paltz, New York in the areas of criminal defense and matrimonial law. She later briefly served as an Assistant District Attorney in Dutchess County, New York and has taught at the State University of New York at New Paltz. and chair of the New York State Permanent Commission on Justice for Children.

Notable Achievements Peters was the first woman to serve as Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Third Department and was the first woman elected to Supreme Court in the entire Third Judicial Department. She was also the first woman to serve as Family Court Judge in Ulster County's history.

Peters has received the following awards: the Howard A. Levine Award for Excellence in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare; the Betty Weinberg Ellerin Mentoring Award; the State Bar Association's Judicial Section Inaugural Award for Advancement of Judicial Diversity; the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society's Public Service Leadership Award; the Capital District Women's Bar Association's Judge Kaye Distinguished Membership Attorney Award; Albany Law School's Kate Stoneman Award; and the Robert L. Haig Award for Distinguished Public Service.