After more than 30 years of public service, New York State Supreme Court Justice Craig J. Doran has announced his retirement, effective March 2025. Doran, who has served as a judge in the Seventh Judicial District for 25 years, will transition to the role of General Counsel at Leonard’s Express, a family-owned transportation company headquartered in the Finger Lakes region.
In a heartfelt statement, Justice Doran expressed gratitude to the community, colleagues, and his family for their support throughout his distinguished career. “There has not been one single day of public life that I did not feel incredibly blessed to have had the honor and joy of working with and for tens of thousands of the finest and most committed, compassionate, hard-working people,” Doran said.
Justice Doran’s legal career is marked by significant contributions to the judiciary. Appointed as a Supreme Court Justice in 2011, he served ten years as Administrative Judge for the Seventh Judicial District, overseeing critical improvements in court operations, including advancing access to justice, diversity, and efficiency within the system.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Doran played a pivotal role as Co-Leader of the Statewide Return to In-Person Operations Task Force, establishing safety protocols and guiding courts through operational challenges. Additionally, he chaired the Pandemic Practices Working Group, evaluating and refining court practices implemented during the health crisis.
Beyond the courtroom, Doran has held leadership roles in several judicial committees, including the Commission to Reimagine the Future of New York Courts, and currently serves as Chair of the NYS Court Modernization Action Committee (CMAC) and member of the Chief Administrative Judge’s Advisory Committee on Artificial Intelligence and the Courts.
Doran’s contributions also extend into academia, where he has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Rochester and Keuka College, and has been a guest lecturer at NYU Law School and Finger Lakes Community College.
In his retirement statement, Doran acknowledged Leonard’s Express for the opportunity to continue serving the region in a new capacity. “Thank you to the Johnson and Leonard’s Express families for presenting this exciting opportunity,” he said.
Justice Doran leaves behind a legacy of integrity, leadership, and dedication to public service. His retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable judicial career and the beginning of a new chapter in the private sector.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].