She was the first woman justice of the New York City Court of Special Sessions, appointed in 1950.
Doris Byrne was a member of the New York State Assembly (Bronx Co., 2nd D.) in 1934, 1935, 1936 and 1937; and was Chairwoman of the Committee on Social Welfare in 1935.
She resigned her seat upon the adjournment sine die of the legislature on May 8, 1937, and was appointed as Executive Deputy Secretary of State of New York.
[3] On November 24, 1942, she was appointed to the New York City Council to fill the vacancy caused by the absence of Lt. Col. Charles E. Keegan, and took her seat on December 1.
[6] In January 1950, she was appointed to the New York City Court of Special Sessions to fill a vacancy.