MONTICELLO – All rise! Attorney Jacqueline Ricciani, Esquire, donned her judicial robes and gavel for the first time on Thursday as she was sworn in as Sullivan County Family Court Judge on December 29 at the Lawrence H. Cooke Courthouse.

Family, friends, colleagues, and members of the community filled the courtroom to capacity as the Honorable Sullivan County Family Court Judge and Surrogate E. Danielle Jose-Decker welcomed those in attendance. The ceremony was opened with praise to Ricciani regarding all that she has accomplished in her established career in law of over 25 years.

Following Judge Jose-Decker was Robbie Green, Chief of the Rock Hill Fire Department, who led the Pledge to the Flag.

Ricciani was then sworn into the esteemed position by Sullivan County Family Court Judge Mark Meddaugh. 

Immediately upon being sworn-in to the new position, Ricciani was presented with her robe ceremoniously by Troy Johnstone, Esq., Secretary of the Sullivan County Bar Association.

Ricciani’s now fellow honorable Judges bestowed on her well wishes, friendly advice, and good will moving forward into the new position as Sullivan County Family Court Judge.

Before exiting the courtroom, Ricciani shared her gratitude to all those who supported her, as well as a heartfelt story in which she found a letter in her desk dated July 1, 2004. This letter was described to have contained a message from Sullivan County Family Court Judge Meddaugh in which he wrote in support of Ricciani’s initial application to join the Sullivan County Law Guardian Panel to represent children.

Ricciani also noted that July 1, 2004, was coincidently the day that she and Jose-Decker opened their law practice together.

The newly appointed Judge introduced members of her staff, who will continue to assist her in her new endeavors. 

Geri Ricciani-Beltran, sister of Judge Ricciani, closed out the ceremony with a rendition of God Bless America.

“I am looking forward to serving this county as Family Court Judge,” Judge Ricciani said. “I will always do my best to make good decisions and to always look out for the best interest of our children.”