Rice was appointed as Albany City Court Judge by Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan in August 2021 to fill a city court vacancy, and was elected to a full term in November 2021.

Judge Rice is a Union College and Albany Law School alum, and has lived in the Capital Region for over two decades.  Rice started out her career almost 20 years ago serving Albany, Schenectady, and Troy’s most vulnerable populations as a Legal Aid Attorney.  Rice helped hundreds of poor and otherwise disadvantaged residents maintain affordable housing and obtain essential benefits to meet their day-to-day needs.  Rice also drafted wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies for Albany County seniors.

Rice represented victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, and fraud.  One of her favorite cases was helping an elderly woman on a fixed income get her money back after being exploited by a family.  Rice’s professional background reflects a wide range of public service and an unwavering commitment to better her community.  Prior to becoming an Albany City Court Judge, Rice also served as the first Associate Court Attorney of color at Albany City Court where she drafted decisions and advised the Court on civil and criminal matters.

Judge Rice is President of the Capital Region Black and Hispanic Bar Association and past president and current member of the Capital Region Women’s Bar Association.  Rice works tirelessly to address pipeline issues that plague our society, especially the legal profession, and remains focused on ensuring historically marginalized groups have a fair and equitable path to success.  

Rice is known for speaking at area high schools, colleges, law school classes, and on panel discussions. As the first in her family to graduate from college and attend law school, she believes it is her duty to help crush barriers to obtaining a higher education.  Rice is a mentor to many recent law school graduates.  Rice is also an active member of the Greater Albany Chapter of Jack and Jill whose mission is to provide social, cultural, and educational opportunities for area youth. 

Rice is a devoted mom and bonus-mom to four beautiful children – ages 25, 15 (twins), and 8.  Rice is also the proud dog mom of a miniature pinscher.  As a cheer, gymnastics, theater, and dance parent, Judge Rice stays busy and engaged in her childrens’ lives.  Rice is active in the Albany downtown community and an avid community gardener.