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James A. McDonaugh earned a bachelor's degree in business from the State University of New York Oneonta and a law degree from the University of Memphis.

James has experience as a law firm partner and as an assistant district attorney.

James has been an Acting County Court Judge in New York State since 2022 and the District Court Judge for Suffolk County for over 14 years.

2026 New York General Election

3.1 Judicial Candidate Resource Guide 

As a state district court judge, he oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

- As a state district court judge, he oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

Legal Experience

As of September 9, 2026, James A. McDonaugh did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

James A. McDonaugh

As of September 9, 2026, James A. McDonaugh’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Isaac Brickman

Buket Urgen

Anthony R. Portesy

Eric Sachs

John Iliou

John Kelly

Joy M. Watson

Karen M. Wilutis

Kelly A. Reape

Leonard D. Steinman

Mary E. Porter

Mary Kate Mullen

Richard Ambro

Stephen L. Ukeiley

William D. Wexler

- The  New York Supreme Court is the state-wide trial court with the broadest jurisdiction in criminal and civil matters. However, it is not the state’s court of last resort.
- It can hear virtually any type of case brought before it, except for claims brought against the state which must be heard by the Court of Claims. Generally, it hears high-level criminal cases or civil cases with a judgment of more than $50,000.
- It is the only court that can grant divorce, annulment, and separation in New York.
- The New York Supreme Court is broken into 12 judicial districts state-wide. There are currently 154 justices authorized to sit in the New York City Supreme Court, but only 136 actually serve in Supreme Court trial parts because some of the justices are assigned to the Appellate Division or the Appellate Term.
- Justices of the Supreme Court are elected to serve 14-year terms and are paid a salary of $232,600.

A judge on your judicial district’s trial court which oversees criminal and civil matters. 