William P. Bodkin has been appointed to the Nassau County District Court, marking the culmination of a nearly 20-year career in New York’s court system.
In a unanimous vote Monday, March 9, the Nassau County Legislature appointed Bodkin as a judge of the Nassau County District Court for the Third Judicial District, a milestone he describes as the culmination of years of preparation.
“This meant a lot to me,” Bodkin said. “It was the culmination of 20 years’ worth of work and training.”
Bodkin, a resident of Port Washington, brings a wide-ranging legal background shaped almost entirely within the state court system. Before his appointment, he served as senior principal law clerk to Appellate Division Justice Helen Voutsinas and as village justice in Manorhaven.
His career also includes roles as chief court attorney in Nassau County Supreme Court, principal law clerk to Justices Norman St. George and Steven Jaeger, and principal appellate court attorney in the Appellate Division, First Department.
That breadth of experience, Bodkin said, gave him both a technical understanding of the law and a deeper appreciation for the human side of judging.
“The key to being a judge is that everybody who comes before you has a story,” he said. “Our job is to listen to those stories, hear what people have to say, and then make a ruling based upon the applicable law.”
Bodkin’s path to the bench began with a different discipline: history. A former history major, he said his interest in American history and the Constitution naturally led him to law.
“It always seemed to me that the law was the best way to truly understand American history and how American society works,” he said.
From the start of his legal career, Bodkin said he had his sights set on becoming a judge — a goal shared by many attorneys working within the court system. Over time, he said, the variety of positions he held helped him develop what he called “the art of being a judge.”
His experience in Manorhaven proved especially formative. As village justice, Bodkin presided over local matters and learned the importance of patience and presence on the bench.
“Being a village justice really taught me a lot about what it means to be a judge,” he said. “The importance of being patient — that’s key.”
He credits the community for supporting his early judicial career, noting he ran unopposed in his elections.
“The strong sense I got was that the community had a great deal of confidence in me,” he said. “I’m very, very grateful for that.”
Now, as he transitions into a full-time role on the District Court, Bodkin said his immediate priority is simple: continue learning.
The court handles misdemeanor criminal cases and civil matters involving claims up to $15,000, a broader and more demanding docket than his previous role.
“What motivates me always is the people — the people of Nassau County,” he said. “You want to give people their day in court and make sure their right to be heard is respected.”
Outside the courtroom, Bodkin has remained active in the legal community through the Nassau County Bar Association, where he serves as counsel to the Nassau Academy of Law. He has also lectured in continuing legal education programs and volunteered as a moot court judge.
Looking ahead, Bodkin said he hopes not only to serve the public but also to encourage others to consider careers in the court system.
“It is a wonderful, rewarding career,” he said. “I would want more people to know about it.”
