Tonia is dedicated to Monroe County Family Court. For 16 years, she has worked exclusively in this court, giving her unparalleled experience and insight. She is passionate about ensuring every individual has access to justice, and her commitment to advocating for families is unwavering.
- The only candidate to earn the prestigious Judicial Integrity designation.
- The only candidate with direct experience in all 18 case types handled by Family Court.
- Over 21 years of legal experience.
- 16 years dedicated to practicing law exclusively in Monroe County Family Court.
- Former Principal Court Attorney for 6 years.
- Former Attorney for the Child at The Legal Aid Society of Rochester for 10 years.
|
MEET TONIATonia was appointed as a Monroe County Family Court Judge on June 10, 2025. In this role, she continues a lifelong commitment to children and families, bringing fairness, compassion, and integrity to the bench. She understands that family court decisions change lives forever and is dedicated to ensuring every child and every family is treated with dignity and respect.
Tonia’s journey began right here in Western New York, where she grew up as the oldest of four siblings. Her childhood was marked by frequent moves, financial hardship, and instability at home. From a young age, she stepped into a leadership role, helping care for her siblings while her mother worked hard to provide for their family. Despite those challenges, she remained focused on her education, determined to build a better future. These experiences shaped her deep sense of empathy and responsibility—qualities that continue to guide her work as a judge.. |
The first in her family to navigate higher education, Tonia earned her degree with honors from SUNY Geneseo in 1999, supporting herself with multiple jobs along the way. She began law school at the City University of New York, driven by her desire to pursue justice, and later transferred to the University at Buffalo School of Law to be closer to her family when her mother underwent open-heart surgery. There, she distinguished herself as a writer for the Buffalo Women’s Law Journal and was awarded the Family Law Fellowship, the Domestic Violence Task Force Fellowship, and ultimately the National Association of Women Lawyers Award in recognition of her dedication to advocacy and advancing women in the profession.
After graduating, Tonia opened her own law practice before joining The Legal Aid Society of Rochester in 2009, where she found her true calling—representing children in Monroe County Family Court. For 10 years, she gave young people a voice in some of the most difficult moments of their lives. In 2018, she also helped elect Judge Fatimat O. Reid, and the following year became Judge Reid’s confidential Court Attorney, gaining invaluable insight into the judicial process and the impact of principled, fair decision-making.
Her leadership and service extend beyond the courtroom. Tonia has participated in the Just Law Program, Youth in Court, Summer Student Intern Program and numerous initiatives spearheaded by the 7th Judicial District’s Embracing Our Community Committee, helping to educate youth and strengthen trust in the justice system. In 2020, she was honored as one of the Top Women in Law by The Daily Record.
Tonia’s campaign is also marked by broad, countywide support. She is the only candidate in this race to have earned the Judicial Integrity ballot line, an independent designation requiring support from voters of every political background. This achievement demonstrates her ability to connect with people across Monroe County—Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and those who don’t typically engage in politics. It underscores her belief that fairness and impartiality are not partisan values, but essential qualities in Family Court.
Above all, Tonia is a mother. She knows firsthand the challenges and joys of raising a child and how much families depend on stability, compassion, and fairness to thrive. Her perspective as a parent reinforces her belief that Family Court must always put the needs of children first and ensure that families are supported through life’s most difficult moments.
For Tonia, serving in Family Court is not a stepping stone—it is her life’s work. From her earliest days advocating for children, to her role as a trusted Court Attorney, to now serving as a Family Court Judge, her path has always led here. With decades of experience in family law, her personal understanding as a mother, and a lifelong commitment to fairness, Tonia is uniquely prepared to continue serving Monroe County’s families with the justice, compassion, and integrity they deserve
After graduating, Tonia opened her own law practice before joining The Legal Aid Society of Rochester in 2009, where she found her true calling—representing children in Monroe County Family Court. For 10 years, she gave young people a voice in some of the most difficult moments of their lives. In 2018, she also helped elect Judge Fatimat O. Reid, and the following year became Judge Reid’s confidential Court Attorney, gaining invaluable insight into the judicial process and the impact of principled, fair decision-making.
Her leadership and service extend beyond the courtroom. Tonia has participated in the Just Law Program, Youth in Court, Summer Student Intern Program and numerous initiatives spearheaded by the 7th Judicial District’s Embracing Our Community Committee, helping to educate youth and strengthen trust in the justice system. In 2020, she was honored as one of the Top Women in Law by The Daily Record.
Tonia’s campaign is also marked by broad, countywide support. She is the only candidate in this race to have earned the Judicial Integrity ballot line, an independent designation requiring support from voters of every political background. This achievement demonstrates her ability to connect with people across Monroe County—Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and those who don’t typically engage in politics. It underscores her belief that fairness and impartiality are not partisan values, but essential qualities in Family Court.
Above all, Tonia is a mother. She knows firsthand the challenges and joys of raising a child and how much families depend on stability, compassion, and fairness to thrive. Her perspective as a parent reinforces her belief that Family Court must always put the needs of children first and ensure that families are supported through life’s most difficult moments.
For Tonia, serving in Family Court is not a stepping stone—it is her life’s work. From her earliest days advocating for children, to her role as a trusted Court Attorney, to now serving as a Family Court Judge, her path has always led here. With decades of experience in family law, her personal understanding as a mother, and a lifelong commitment to fairness, Tonia is uniquely prepared to continue serving Monroe County’s families with the justice, compassion, and integrity they deserve
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Stay updated on Tonia's campaign and learn how you can get involved by signing up below.
There are many ways to show your support, from putting a sign in your yard or marching in a parade, to hosting a meet and greet. We're proud to have so many people involved at the grassroots level and every bit of support makes a difference!
ENDORSEMENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAMPAIGN
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us reach more voters and share our message.
DONATE THROUGH ACTBLUE
DONATE THROUGH VENMO
DONATE THROUGH PAYPAY
DONATE BY CHECK
Please make checks payable to:
Tonia Ettinger for Family Court
P.O. Box 146
Hilton, NY 14468
Please make checks payable to:
Tonia Ettinger for Family Court
P.O. Box 146
Hilton, NY 14468
Contributions to Tonia Ettinger for Family Court are not tax deductible.
