Queens Today, Queens Civil Court Race Takes Shape

Stephen Dachtera was born and raised in Queens. He earned his law degree from St. John's University. Stephen is a Catholic.

Stephen currently works as an attorney in Richmond Hill, Queens, specializing in real estate law. 

Ballotpedia, Stephen Dachtera 

Stephen ran for civil court judge in Queens County, New York, in 2024 but did not win.

As an attorney specializing in real estate law, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides legal defense and advice to clients.

- As an attorney specializing in real estate law, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides legal defense and advice to clients.

Legal Experience

Believes in "applying the law as written, without regard to external factors or influences, ensuring fairness to all."

- Believes in "applying the law as written, without regard to external factors or influences, ensuring fairness to all."

Judicial Philosophy

Promises to have cases decided more quickly in order to improve court efficiency.

- Promises to have cases decided more quickly in order to improve court efficiency.

Judicial Administration

As of September 16, 2025, Stephen C. Dachtera’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Stephen C. Dachtera

Stephen was born and raised in Queens. He earned his law degree from St. John's University. 

Stephen currently works as an attorney in Richmond Hill, Queens specializing in real estate law. 

Stephen Dachtera's campaign for civil court judge in Queens County, New York is his first run for public office. 

As an attorney specializing in real estate law, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients.

- As an attorney specializing in real estate law, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients.

Buket Urgen

Eve has a bachelor's degree from New York University and a law degree from Rutgers. She was born in Korea and moved to the US at the age of 12.

As an immigration attorney, advocated for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and assisted individuals at JFK Airport during the Muslim Ban.

As a litigation associate, handled deportation cases, general litigation, matrimonial law, and family matters.

- As an immigration attorney, advocated for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and assisted individuals at JFK Airport during the Muslim Ban.
- As a litigation associate, handled deportation cases, general litigation, matrimonial law, and family matters.

As of September 16, 2025, Eve Cho Guillergan’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes in fairness, respect, and equal access to justice, and is committed to ensuring that every litigant is heard and treated with dignity in New York City Civil Court.

- Believes in fairness, respect, and equal access to justice, and is committed to ensuring that every litigant is heard and treated with dignity in New York City Civil Court.

Serves on the Leadership Advisory Council for the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York.

Serves as a board member of Thalia Spanish Theatre.

Served on the Queens Public Library board of trustees as a delegate of the Speaker of the New York City Council.

- Serves on the Leadership Advisory Council for the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York.
- Serves as a board member of Thalia Spanish Theatre.
- Served on the Queens Public Library board of trustees as a delegate of the Speaker of the New York City Council.

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Eve Cho Guillergan

Thomas is originally from New Jersey and moved to New York City in 2001 as a first responder following the 9/11 attacks. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics and a law degree from Fordham University. He lives in Long Island City with his husband.

Thomas previously worked as a finance associate at Proskauer Rose LLP and as a financial analyst at Morgan Stanley.

Thomas Wright-Fernandez’s campaign for Civil Court Judge is his first run for public office.

As a principal law clerk for the New York State Supreme Court, researches legal issues in felony criminal cases, drafts judicial opinions and jury instructions, coordinates with community treatment providers for alternatives to incarceration, and conducts legal conferences.

As managing attorney at the Wright-Fernandez Law Firm, provided legal counsel and representation in immigration removal defense, family law, and civil matters.

- As a principal law clerk for the New York State Supreme Court, researches legal issues in felony criminal cases, drafts judicial opinions and jury instructions, coordinates with community treatment providers for alternatives to incarceration, and conducts legal conferences.
- As managing attorney at the Wright-Fernandez Law Firm, provided legal counsel and representation in immigration removal defense, family law, and civil matters.

Believes in providing fair and efficient justice to all, regardless of background or circumstances.

- Believes in providing fair and efficient justice to all, regardless of background or circumstances.

As of September 16, 2025, Thomas Wright-Fernandez’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Thomas Wright-Fernandez

- The New York Civil Court has jurisdiction over civil cases involving amounts up to $50,000 and other civil matters referred to it by the Supreme Court.
- It includes a small claims part for informal dispositions of matters not exceeding $10,000 and a housing part for landlord-tenant matters and housing code violations.
- There are 120 judges elected to the Civil Court, but only about 50 sit in it. The remaining judges sit in other courts, such as the Criminal Court or Family Court.
- Judges are elected to 10-year terms in partisan elections.
- They are paid a salary of $216,400.

Judge who handles majority of civil cases in New York