How Ellen Tobin fulfilled her childhood dream

The State Senate confirmed Gov. Kathy Hochul’s judicial nominations on June 9, including two to the state’s Court of Claims. It was a big day for those confirmed, but perhaps none bigger than for Ellen Tobin, whose birthday was the same day.

Because of this, Tobin said it was her “best birthday ever.”

The Court of Claims handles civil litigations that may be seeking damages against the state.

Tobin, a Long Beach resident who grew up in Baldwin, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2005 and spent most of her career in private practice as a commercial litigator. She currently works as a litigation partner at Westerman Ball Ederer Miller Zucker and Sharfstein in Uniondale. She previously spent time as a litigation associate at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt and Mosle in Manhattan.

“I’ve also had the honor and privilege of clerking for Judge A. Kathleen Tomlinson and the Eastern District of New York in 2009 and 2010,” Tobin said looking back. “That was really an incredible experience. I’ve been practicing for almost 20 years.”

Tobin has until 30 days after her confirmation to take her oath of office. She said she still has some things she needs to wrap up and finish at her current law firm, so she is planning to start her new position July 10. She will be sitting as an acting supreme court justice at the Nassau County Supreme Court in Mineola.

“It’s been my dream since I was a kid,” Tobin said of her new position. “I was with some friends after the confirmation and we were talking about how it’s been my dream since we were kids. I accomplished my childhood dream.”

Tobin has been involved in many causes outside of her direct career. She has advocated for children and parents in family court disputes on behalf of the Children’s Law Center and the Brooklyn Family Defense Practice. She is also currently involved in a handful of community and professional organizations, including serving as a director for the Nassau County Bar Association. Tobin is also on the executive board of the Eastern District of New York chapter of the Federal Bar Association and is a member of the Energeia Partnership at Molloy College.

Tobin is married to Todd Kaminsky, the former 9th District state senator.

“I’m so thrilled and honored to have been appointed to become a New York State Court judge,” she said.