POUGHKEEPSIE – Long-serving Dutchess County Family Court Judge Denise Watson was recognized by the on Friday, May 1, 2026, recognized as Law Day. Watson, who also serves as an Acting Supreme Court Justice, has been on the bench since 2011, and was presented with the Jack Gartland Community Service Award by her bar association peers on Friday at the annual Law Day Luncheon.
Watson, a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Boston College, and St. Louis University School of Law (Class of 1992), began her career in Family Court in 1999 as Principal Court Attorney to retired Family Court Judge Peter Forman and has served on several committees related to family court practices and personnel, and has been instrumental in adoption proceedings in Dutchess County.
Watson was presented with the Jack Gartland Award in front of approximately 100 lawyers and judges, including retired judges Jim Brands and Al Rosenblatt. The honor recognizes Judge Watson’s commitment to the legal profession and all who appear in her courtroom. Watson, along with her fellow Family Court Judges Joe Egitto, Jeff Martin, and Tracy MacKenzie, has become a role model for other judges throughout New York in .
Watson, emotional after receiving the honor, told Mid-Hudson News, “The award for community service honoring Jack Gartland is especially meaningful to me as he was not only a leader and well-respected attorney but a neighbor and friend to my family and me. He and his wife were kind, generous, and supportive in the beginning of my career.”
Poughkeepsie-based attorney Kelley Enderley has appeared before Judge Watson regularly and attended the luncheon. “Judge Watson is a valued and hard-working member of the family court who has tirelessly championed the fight for young children,” she said, recognizing Watson’s commitment to the children who are part of family court proceedings.
Comments