ELIZABETHTOWN, N.Y. — Kristy Sprague, who once was advised against attending law school due to perceived inadequacies, victoriously took the oath of office Monday as Essex County’s first female county judge. The inauguration ceremony, held in Elizabethtown’s historic courthouse, was attended by a throng of supporters including friends, family, and local dignitaries.
In a bold retort to early detractors, the newly appointed judge recollected, “Look at me now,” echoing her determination and resilience that ultimately led to her achieving this historic milestone in a county established in 1799. Amid cheers, Sprague, 52, from Moriah, entered this new chapter in her career, having won the November election over attorney Brian Liam Kennelly of Lake Placid, securing 11,515 votes versus Kennelly’s 7,191.
Sprague conveyed during her heartfelt speech that her journey to this moment was propelled by a philosophy of perseverance and grit instilled by her parents. She emphasized the crucial role of encouragement and support in nurturing potential, particularly among the youth, highlighting her upbringing where the phrase “You can’t do that” was notably absent.
Educated at Albany Law School, where she graduated in 1998, and holding a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh, Sprague initially aspired to become a state trooper. However, a professor recognizing her academic talents and quick learning abilities encouraged her to pivot towards law, setting her on the path to an accomplished legal career.
Sprague commenced her professional journey in the North Country, starting as an assistant district attorney in Clinton County even before she knew she had passed the state bar exam, about which she humorously remarked, “Thank God I passed.” Her legal career, dedicated solely to serving the public, spans over two decades, all within prosecutorial roles until her recent judicial election.
During the event, Sprague also took time to appreciate her family, friends, mentors, and colleagues for their continuous support. Her acknowledgment of her family members who traveled from North Carolina for the ceremony underscored her hope to inspire them and others, with a message that hard work, perseverance, and chasing dreams can overcome obstacles.
Introduced by former Moriah Town Supervisor Tom Scozzafava, Sprague was praised for her skills, experience, and compassion, essential for her new role. Scozzafava reminisced about Sprague’s commitment, recalling, “Your phone was always open… You were there for us, and we appreciate it.”
Addressing the transition from District Attorney, a role she had since 2009, to county judge, Sprague recognized the inherent learning curve. She noted a distinct difference in public engagement between the two roles and emphasized the importance of maintaining judicial impartiality.
Support for her new role includes attending a virtual judge training program and engaging with a mentor, Hamilton County Judge Tatania Coffinger. Both judges, Sprague identified, manage comparable responsibilities across three courts: criminal, surrogate, and family. Sprague will temporarily transfer her criminal cases in Essex County to Coffinger due to conflict of interest protocols, ensuring impartiality and legal integrity.
Essex County judges serve ten-year terms with a mandatory retirement at age 70, prescribing a well-defined tenure for Sprague to impart her influence on the local judiciary.
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