During a recent interview, Republican candidate Mary-Ann Maloney, who is running for a judgeship in the Queens Civil Court on November 5, emphasized that the identity of women from minority backgrounds should not serve as an excuse for obstacles but rather as a driving force to break down barriers and seek fairness and justice. As an immigrant, she deeply understands the challenges that come with such identity, which has strengthened her commitment to providing equitable and compassionate legal services to the residents of Queens.
At 54 years old, Maloney was born in Jamaica and immigrated to the United States in 1978 with her family. She grew up and was educated in Queens, earning degrees in Political Science and Sociology from New York University and a law degree from Touro Law Center. With 27 years of legal experience, she has served as an administrative law judge, a family court attorney, and held various roles in administrative tribunals.
Maloney believes that her candidacy brings a perspective that other judges may lack. “I have lived my whole life in Queens, and as an immigrant, I truly understand the challenges immigrants face in America, often dealing with unfair treatment. I won’t take these biases into the courtroom; I will make decisions based on facts and evidence, regardless of who is before me.”
Having handled numerous immigration cases, she stresses that every decision she makes is thoughtful, aware that it can significantly impact individuals’ lives and economic situations.
During her time as a family court attorney, she advocated for many vulnerable children, recounting a particularly complex case involving a baby suffering from burns. “The child was too young to explain what happened, and the case involved a nanny, the mother, and the nanny’s son. Through cross-examination, I uncovered critical evidence that ultimately led to the judge holding the nanny and mother accountable.”
As a minority woman, Maloney acknowledges the challenges she faces in a male-dominated legal field and the need to overcome her own insecurities. “The biggest obstacle is questioning whether I’m ‘qualified.’ But I choose to prove myself through hard work rather than using my identity as an excuse for complacency.”
Maloney also stated that if elected, she will be an honest, fair, and empathetic judge, particularly attentive to the voices of immigrants and committed to providing equal opportunities. “This is my first and last campaign,” she said with a smile, “because I want to win.”
