Uncrowned Community Builders

Judge Shirley Troutman is a graduate of Bennett Park School No. 32. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Albany Law School of Union University.

Judge Troutman began her legal career in 1986, as an Assistant District Attorney at the Erie County District Attorney's Office, where she served as a prosecutor. In 1989, she joined the New York State Department of Law as Assistant Attorney General where she represented the State of New York in Federal and State Courts as a trial attorney.

In 1992, she joined the United States Department of Justice as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of New York. As an Assistant United States Attorney, Judge Troutman represented the United States in civil litigation matters.

In January 1994, Mayor Anthony M. Masiello appointed Judge Troutman to Buffalo City Court, and in the November election of 1994, she was elected to a full ten-year term. As a Buffalo City Court Judge, she hears thousands of criminal cases per year, including criminal arraignments. She also handles civil cases including many matters transferred from State Supreme Court. Her duties also include a review of small claims cases, landlord tenant, infant settlements, and review of search and arrest warrants.

Judge Troutman is an adjunct professor for the University at Buffalo's Law School. She is a member of the Erie County Bar Association and the Minority Bar Association. Judge Troutman currently serves on the board of St. John Christian Academy and is a past board member of the Women's Bar Association of Western New York.

Judge Troutman speaks on a regular basis at many area schools and lectures for community groups about the court system. She supervises students who participate in the City As School internship program and the Bennett Park School No. 32 Law Magnet Program. She also serves as a Mentor for the Welfare to Work Program sponsored by the New York State Division for Women.

She is a recipient of the Black Achiever's Award and the Forty Under 40 award.

Initially, Judge Troutman was named an Acting Supreme Court Justice. She was elected to the State Supreme Court's Eighth Judicial District in 2009. She is a member of the New York State Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics and the Committee to Promote Public Confidence and Trust in the Courts.

In 2016, Shirley Troutman, Class of 1985, was named by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to serve on the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division, Fourth Department. In a statement, Gov. Cuomo said his latest appointees bring "a wealth of knowledge and experience" to the Appellate Division.

"These justices are each tremendously qualified and have shown a remarkable commitment to justice, and I am proud to appoint them to their new roles," he said. "Their service on the bench will benefit New Yorkers for years to come."

In 2018, Judge Troutman was appointed Co-Chair of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, alongside First Department Justice Troy K. Webber. Created in 1988, the Commission educates and advises decision makers in the New York State Court System on issues affecting both employees and litigants of color, and implements recommendations developed to address those issues.

On a personal note, Judge Troutman is the mother of two, Stephen and Lauren.