The Third Department held a ceremonial session on December 10, 2025 commemorating the upcoming retirement of Justice Michael C. Lynch.

On December 10, 2025, the Third Department held a special session honoring Associate Justice Michael C. Lynch before a filled courtroom, filled with Justice Lynch's family and friends, colleagues within the judiciary and Third Department staff. Each of the Third Department justices took the bench and were joined by Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson, who offered remarks. Presiding Justice Elizabeth A. Garry welcomed the guests and spoke about many of Justice Lynch's notable decisions. Associate Justice Christine M. Clark and Associate Justice Stan L. Pritzker also spoke about Justice Lynch. At a reception that followed, Kenan Kurt - from the Governor's Office (Assistant Counsel for Judiciary and Ethics) - presented Justice Lynch with a citation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul.

Justice Lynch was appointed to the Third Department in April 2014 and has served as a Supreme Court Justice since 2004. Justice Lynch is retiring from the bench at the end of the year. The video of the ceremonial session can be viewed here.